Pampanga board backs Clark mall

CLARK FIELD, Pampanga — The provincial board, headed by Vice Gov. Mikey Arroyo, has passed a resolution backing the proposed P500-million Shoemart mall at the Clark special economic zone.

Shoemart’s plan, the board said, would spur economic growth and boost the government’s bid to develop the Clark ecozone as an "international aviation center" and "trade and business hub" in Luzon, if not in the entire Asian region.

Despite opposition from a group of local traders, the mall project was similarly endorsed in separate resolutions by barangay leaders in Angeles City and Mabalacat, where other shopping centers, including Puregold which Lucio Co owns, have started operations.

Earlier, Palafox and Associates, which drew up the masterplan for the Clark ecozone, said the mall’s proposed site is a mixed land use area suited to such an establishment.

The Japan Airport Consultants also said the proposed mall harmonized with plans to fully develop the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport. — Ding Cervantes