CLARK FREEPORT — Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Region III will convene a town hall meeting later this month to help locators, prospective investors, and other stakeholders better understand environmental regulations, particularly Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) requirements, as Clark continues to expand its investment base.

The initiative was announced by CDC President and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera during the EcoGovernance Summit 2026 held on August 10 at Royce Hotel and Casino in Clark Freeport.

The proposed dialogue comes as Clark assumes a larger role in national development through its designation as the gateway to the Luzon Economic Corridor and as new industries linked to the emerging Pax Silica ecosystem draw increasing interest from investors.

Since 2022, Clark has generated ₱372 billion in investments, supported more than 151,000 jobs, and grown to 1,285 locator companies across various sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, aviation, tourism, information technology, and healthcare.

As investment activity grows, CDC and EMB are seeking to provide stakeholders with clearer guidance on environmental compliance requirements, particularly for projects requiring environmental clearances.

“In our review of the factors that sustain the investments in Clark, the environment or environmental programs play a very vital role,” Atty. Devanadera said.

She said the proposed town hall seeks to provide stakeholders with a clearer understanding of environmental compliance requirements and the regulatory processes involved in obtaining ECCs.

“Let’s be more transparent and let’s be more clear, for example, on the requirements and how we can comply, how we can make people comply with the requirements. And this is the very essence of the ease of doing business,” she said.

According to Atty. Devanadera, applicants often have differing perceptions of the ECC process, highlighting the need for more direct engagement between regulators and stakeholders.

The forum will also discuss solid waste management and waste segregation, which Atty. Devanadera identified as important environmental responsibilities that require continued stakeholder participation.

“Clark remains committed to developing this kind of responsibility, a co-responsibility with DENR,” she said. “Let’s look into our regulatory measures to make sure that they are fair and they have measurable results.”

The Town Hall Meeting is expected to bring together regulators, investors, locators, consultants, and environmental practitioners to clarify compliance requirements and strengthen cooperation on environmental governance within the Freeport. (CDC PR)

📸 CDC