Angelo Lopez Jr., CDC information department manager, said the SM opening will create at least 2,000 direct jobs, besides the jobs it would generate indirectly.
At present, some 300 corporations at Clark employ some 38,000 workers, higher than the average of 24,000 Filipinos who used to work at the former US military base here.
Lopez said Shoemart spent at least P500 million for the mall’s construction, in addition to the total rehabilitation of the 12-hectare Bayanihan Park at Clark’s main gate in Barangay Balibago, Angeles City.
The park, which used to be a haven of lawless elements and commercial sex workers, is now well lighted and boasts sports facilities, a family amusement area, jogging paths, and areas for concerts and other activities.
Lopez said SM City-Clark is expected to boost tourism in Central Luzon, with more international flights now landing at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport here. — Ding Cervantes, Ric Sapnu