CIAC draws flak for allegedly using San Diego infrastructure image for new Clark arena proposal
Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) received online backlash after allegedly using an online image of a perspective in San Diego, California for a project proposal.
The said image was used for the presentation of CIAC President Arrey Perez for the Clark Arena in Pampanga during the Build Better More Infrastructure Forum at the New Clark City in Tarlac on Friday, July 12.
In case you didn't know, the Clark Arena is set to be established in 2028. According to Perez, the construction of the entertainment and event center may "encourage pop icon Taylor Swift to consider the Philippines in her next round of world tour." It plans to have a 25,000 to 35,000 capacity since "it is the ideal seating capacity," based on their study.
"You will not see that in other countries. Just imagine that after the plane lands, you will just walk—no traffic hassle— to the concert of Taylor Swift," he also noted.
Perez mentioned that the development of the P32 billion entertainment and event center has been in the works since November of last year. If they receive the proposal before the end of 2024, they anticipate signing a contract with the selected private company next year.
"It will take time if you give us about six to nine months to process any proposal, and if the signing of that contract happens definitely next year and then the construction immediately starts by 2025, then you have two to three years to build this entertainment complex," he said.
Mixed online reactions
Eagle-eyed social media users, however, noticed that the background image used in the presentation was the same as the Midway Rising group's perspective, which developed the master plan for the new entertainment center to replace Pechanga Arena (formerly San Diego Sports Arena).
In a Facebook post, Arkitekto Tayo Ph said it is a "shame" for the Philippines to use the image, consequently "disrespecting" the architecture or firm that owned the design.
"OMG! Kakahiya naman oh. Bat naman ganon mga mamser? Pang-gulatan pa naman yung Headlines nya tapos hindi naman pala para sa atin yung nilagay na perspective sa Background. Project proposal pala sa San Diego, California, USA," the caption read.
"Hindi na nirespeto ang Architect/firm na nagmamayari ng design at Perspective. Yung mga nagtatanggol na 'background' lang naman yan at inspiration, napaka LOW naman ng STANDARDS ninyo?" it added.
"Ang tanong nagpaalam ba sila na gamitin ang design for background? Tinanggal nga nila yung watermark e. Mga bastos! Puro kahihiyan nalang ginagawa, kaya nagiging katatawanan tayo e," a user commented.
Others noted that the budget allocated for the construction of the complex must be better utilized for much more "essential" innovations in the country.
"Sayang ang pera [dyan]. Imbes gumawa ng maraming road infrastructure projects o modernized trains para mabawasan ang traffic," one user commented.
Some looked at it positively and highlighted its importance to have a stadium catering to mega artists.
"As a Filipino, we've always needed a bigger stadium. Our current biggest stadium has a capacity of [55,000] and it is in the middle of nowhere in the southern part of our country where it'll be harder to set up for sporting and music events. The country really does need bigger venues," the user said.
"This is okay. I mean, a Taylor Swift concert is a good benchmark for any big event, and backed up by recent experiences," another one posted. "If anything, existence of big venues will restore Pinoy sports and entertainment."
DOT responds
The Department of Tourism on Saturday issued a statement to clarify that the agency nor Secretary Cristina Frasco was not involved in the creation or delivery of the plans made and presented by Perez.
"Neither the DOT nor Secretary Frasco were involved in the creation or delivery of these plans made and presented by Mr. Perez," the statement read.
According to the agency, they attended a Technical Working Group session with the Department of Transportation, the Civil Aeronautics Board, and other agencies, aviation, and tourism stakeholders to discuss how they can improve connectivity and optimize Clark International Airport's current utilization.
"On his own accord, CIAC President Arrey Perez gave a presentation on his future plans for the Clark Complex, including a proposal to construct a facility capable of hosting major events such as concerts."
The tourism department concluded the statement by asking the CIAC to clarify that neither of the parties "have any involvement in their plans and presentation."
'Hindi 'yung entertainment ang business namin'
Meanwhile, in an interview with reporters, Perez detailed that the stadium will be within "walking distance" from the Clark International Airport (CRK) in Pampanga and will measure around 40 hectares.
"When we had this vision to have the entertainment center sa Clark, we already did a lot of promotions, so market sensing, market visions, and we've gotten some interest," Perez said.
He added that those willing to invest are a mix of local and international companies, with three coming from Singapore, the US, and the Philippines.
"Some are willing to join forces together. And when it comes to this project, it's going to be a public-private partnership. It's a huge undertaking, it's forty hectares and more than P30 billion, so we will really need a partnership with the private sector to build the project," he stated.
Apart from providing entertainment, Perez hopes the stadium will attract tourists to New Clark City.
"Clark really needs more attractions so we can really attract passengers and more airlines to go to the airport."
He added, "Kasi ang aking mandate is to make sure that the airport will grow kasi Clark International Airport Corporation kami, so hindi 'yung entertainment ang business namin, but really, all these developments are meant to support the growth of the airport."
PhilSTAR L!fe has reached out to CIAC but has yet to receive a reply regarding the matter.