Clark Freeport, Pampanga—The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has cleared Clark, the next of growth and development area in the country, of possible liquefaction following the series of earthquakes in the country.
Arturo S. Daag, chief research scientist of Phivolcs, said the almost 400 squares mile area formerly called Fort Stotsenburg is not losing its strength and stiffness despite the tremor that devastated Central Luzon, especially Pampanga, last week.
Based on their scientific findings and data, Daag said Clark remains strong as it can withstand the stress during an earthquake and other changes in its stressed condition.
His assurance was made during a media forum here attended by Dr. Irineo Alvaro, chairman of the 1,500 strong Clark Investors and Locators Association (CILA).
During the forum, Daag said based on their data at the Freeport, the New Clark City located at Mabalacat City in Pampanga and the towns of Capas and Bamban in Tarlac are also safe standing on solid grounds.
Clark was initially named after Col. John Stotsenburg of the Sixth US Calvary who died in action in Bulacan on April 23, 1894. It was later named Clark Air Base after Major Harold Clark, who died in a seaplane accident in Miraflores Locks, Panama Canal Zone on May 2, 1919.
In 1991, the Americans abandoned the air base owing to heavy ash falls after eruption of Pinatubo volcano in 1991.
Alvaro sought the assistance of Phivolcs and other government agencies following the 6.1 magnitude earthquake that damaged several roads, bridges, school and commercial buildings, including the check in counter of the Clark International Airport that resulted in the suspension of flights both domestic and international for 48 hours last week.
Pampanga also suffered 18 casualties and several millions in damages to government and private properties.
Alvaro said this is a wake call for investors and locators to anticipate the future and prevent damages that will disrupt multi-billion investments inside the Freeport.
Alvaro requested Daag to furnish them of their hazard map and perhaps pinpoint to them safe grounds for other development projects.
Alvaro operates the five star Midori Hotel and Casino, a theme park, and another five star hotel scheduled to open in two months.
