COLLECTIVE Issue Number 13 – 2021

COLLECTIVE

is a quarterly publication of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

3 Clark featured as a model city in 2021 ULI Asia-Pacific summit 6 BCDA under Duterte admin surpasses previous admin AFP contributions 12 The future of open spaces 16 The King who found his perfect cup of coffee 18 Ready for take-off 22 What's in a SafeTravels stamp?

23 Bringing back Mimosa Plus Golf Course 26 Spotlight: Josephine Gotianun-Yap

ON THE COVER

30 Bringing the Changi Experience to the new Clark terminal

With a new passenger terminal built in record time, Clark gains altitude as the next premier gateway in Asia.

35 Breaking the sound barrier at the new Clark terminal 38 The driving force behind the newly completed Clark International Airport terminal

42 A day of hope 44 25 years of dedicated service 46 Salute to an unconventional soldier 52 Icon: Sacobia Bridge Gregorio D. Garcia III CHAIRMAN

Vivencio B. Dizon

PRESIDENT AND CEO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Leilani

Barlongay-Macasaet EXECUTIVE EDITOR Vanessa Abellon MANAGING EDITOR Marie Therese Cimafranca ASSOCIATE EDITOR Valore Jaime Veneracion STAFF WRITER Denver Moreno CONTRIBUTORS Chrisee Jalyssa dela Paz, Maricar Savella-Villamil, Ed Baker Clark International Airport Corporation John Hay Management Corporation Poro Point Management Corporation PHOTOS Dennis Borj Meneses, Samuel Luke Galivo, Budji+Royal Architecture+Design CIRCULATION Samuel Luke Galivo

EDITORIAL ADDRESS

BCDA Corporate Center 2/F, Bonifacio Technology Center 31st Street cor. 2nd Ave. Bonifacio Global City Taguig City, Philippines CONTACT NO.

(632) 8575-1700 FAX

(632) 8816-0996 E-MAIL

bcda@bcda.gov.ph WEBSITE

www.bcda.gov.ph

@THEBCDAGROUP 2

Collective / Issue 13

NEWS

Clark featured as a model city in 2021 ULI Asia-Pacific summit

By Chrisee Jalyssa dela Paz

T

he rise of Clark as a smart, green, and disaster-resilient metropolis was showcased at the 2021 Urban Land Institute (ULI) Asia-Pacific Summit, featured as a model city alongside other “innovative and unique” urban developments in Tokyo, Hong Kong and Melbourne.

ULI is a global nonprofit education and research institute with almost 43,000 members worldwide, representing professionals in land use and real estate development disciplines in public and private sectors. Every year, the institute brings together institutional investors, funders, developers, advisers, planners, architects, and city leaders via a forum where they can share ideas and

exchange best practices.

This year’s summit took a hybrid approach with an in-person event in Tokyo and a virtual version on its online platform for global audiences.

From May 24 to May 27, ULI gave real estate and land use professionals worldwide a virtual tour of Clark’s various investment and tourism facilities, as well as the master plans for the Clark International Airport, New Clark City, and the Clark Freeport Zone (CFZ).

Aside from Clark, the summit also showcased via virtual tours the Burwood Brickworks in Australia, Taikoo Place in Hong Kong, as well as Tokyo’s Otemachi-One and Toranomon Hills Mori Tower.

From military base to business hub

“One of our key objectives is to help transform Clark Freeport Zone into one of the major drivers of Philippine economic growth within the next 25 to 50 years, making it a prime model for other economic zones. It has the necessary geographic advantages and

The budding skyline of Clark Freeport Zone overlooking the majestic Mt. Arayat

Completed shell of the Clark International Airport New Passenger Terminal Building

ecological assets to become one of the models of emerging smart cities in Asia-Pacific region,” said Felino “Jun” Palafox Jr., principal architect and urban planner of Palafox Architecture Group which is developing the new CFZ master plan.

The transformation of Clark started when the Philippine government, through the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), moved to establish new satellite cities outside Metro Manila to relieve the demographic stress.

About 30 years after the American military left the Philippines, Clark now has the success of Bonifacio Global City as proof of concept that Philippine property and infrastructure can return big, with up to over 20 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the last two decades on land prices alone. Clark Freeport Zone is envisioned to be an urban center that 4 Collective / Issue 13

is conducive for businesses, including those in the high-end IT enabled industries, aviation and logisticsrelated enterprises, tourism, and other sectors.

Clark’s business environment is thriving as both major local and foreign companies have decided to move their operations there. Major corporations like Texas Instruments, Samsung, Yokohama, UPS International, and Sumidenso Automotive Technologies are just a few of over 1,220 investors that call Clark their home.

Designing the future

Royal Pineda, the principal architect behind world-class facilities in Clark, including the airport’s new terminal building, discussed during the ULI virtual tour the design philosophy of the new structures.

“We always want to put nature in front of our creation. We wanted

Bike lanes in Clark Freeport Zone

Newly rehabilitated Children's Park

to make sure that the modernity of this metropolis represents the future Pilipinas,” said Pineda, also chief executive officer of Budji+Royal Architecture+Design.

To preserve natural resources amid the spurring economic growth in the area, Clark will have an abundance of well-designed parks and other green public open spaces, including a 45-hectare Central Park in New Clark City.

“All of these ongoing development initiatives are built around harnessing a sense of ownership among the community through connectivity, conservation and the concept of live, learn, work and play. Buildings and infrastructures are being built around, not built over, the natural features,” said Karen Tham, global managing director of the Surbana Jurong Group Planning Team.

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NEWS

BCDA under Duterte admin surpasses previous admin AFP contributions

By Chrisee Jalyssa dela Paz

T

he Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) made a record-high contribution to the AFP in the first five years of the Duterte administration.

BCDA contributed Php17.8 billion from 2016 to 2021 to the AFP, higher than the Php13 billion turned over by the previous administration in six years.

“The goal of BCDA is to breach or exceed the contribution to the AFP by previous administration as we still have around one year left of the Duterte administration,” said Vince Dizon, BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer, adding that this reflects the commitment and support of the Duterte administration to upgrade and modernize the capabilities of the nation’s Armed Forces.

Dizon stressed that BCDA remains steadfast not only in its support for the military, but for all Filipinos reeling from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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“These challenging times should not deter us from delivering our commitment of strengthening the Armed Forces while building great cities. We will intensify our development projects with the private sector to help in the recovery of our economy and provide more job opportunities for our countrymen,” Dizon said.

BCDA’s accomplishments have generated about 400,000 jobs, attracted over 1,000 locators in the special economic zones under the BCDA group, and poured in around USD4 billion investments in special economic zones.

The combined asset value of the BCDA group is around USD10 billion to date. Some of its major assets include Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), a seaport in Subic and in Poro Point in La Union, Clark International Airport, Subic International Airport, and a small

airport in Poro Point Freeport Zone, La Union.

“BCDA generates revenues for the government. We generate disposition proceeds from the sale, lease, or joint venture of the arrangements with our private sector partners in Fort Bonifacio and Villamor Air Base.

BCDA then receives these disposition proceeds and actually remits these proceeds right away every year, without fail, to the National Treasury, while leaving the BCDA share with BCDA. Under the law, it’s the National Treasury and the Department of Budget and Management that provide, allocate, and release the funds to the AFP and other beneficiary agencies.

BCDA does not keep any money from

the government agencies,” Dizon said.

Under the law, there are more than 20 government agencies that benefit from the disposition proceeds undertaken by BCDA. Some of these are the Department of Transportation, Department of Public Works and Highways and Department of Science and Technology.

From May 1993 to December 2020, disposition proceeds generated by BCDA have reached a total of Php112 billion. About Php49 billion or 44% of the entire pie goes to the AFP, while BCDA has a share of 32% or Php36 billion. AFP is the main beneficiary of the disposition proceeds, used largely for its modernization program.

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THE FUTURE OF OPEN SPACES

ONE OF THE LARGEST URBAN PARKS IN THE PHILIPPINES WILL SOON RISE IN NEW CLARK CITY

BY ED BAKER

BOARD DIRECTOR, BROADWAY MALYAN

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SMART CITIES

E

nvisioned as the Philippines’ first smart, resilient and green metropolis, New Clark City is trailblazing a new approach to sustainable urban design. Established on a former U.S. air base to the north of the capital Manila, the city is seeking to set a new benchmark in addressing the growing environmental problems caused by climate change, while also focusing on resilience to natural disasters.

As a fairly new settlement, New Clark City provides a unique opportunity to showcase exemplary sustainable urban planning approaches that seek not only to reduce carbon emissions but also to create cooler open spaces and places in our rapidly heating cities.

THE PARK

One of the projects within the metropolis is the development of a city-wide open space strategy. At the heart of this design is the Central Park, a 44.8-hectare green space that will become one of the largest public parks to be built in the Philippines in more than half a century (since the completion of Rizal Park in the City of Manila), and one of the largest urban parks in the country. The cityscale park will be unique in character; inclusive and accessible; green and resilient; innovative in its design; and will create a great quality of life for residents, visitors, and workers in the new New Clark City community.

The new park is part of the Global Future Cities Programme, a United Kingdom-funded development project.

It is being designed by a specially assembled delivery team, composed of international designers Broadway Malyan and Mott MacDonald, and a

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locally based team, which includes renowned Filipino landscape architect Paul Alcazaren. Several other landscape architects, engineers, and ecologists are also collaborating on the project.

In addition, a gender and inclusion specialist joined the team to ensure that the park is designed for, and is safe and accessible to everyone, including women, children and the elderly.

DESIGN APPROACH

As a design team, we wanted to create a park that was inspired by the best parks in the world, but is uniquely Filipino. We wanted to create a park with a range of facilities and spaces that are accessible to all. To do this, we have conducted a number of workshops and online webinars to receive feedback from as many people as possible, including existing and future local residents, local schools and universities, and future businesses moving to the new city. We call this a participatory park design process.

The approach to the Central Park project identified a series of key design goals, ranging from the creation of a unique and locally relevant identity for the park to the planning of a park that is easy to maintain. Other key design goals included the protection and integration of nature within the new park, which preserves existing and ecologically valuable trees. The design also incorporates the planting of more local species to attract wildlife and create new habitats.

One of the most important elements that we focused on was maintaining and improving comfort levels for users, particularly during the hotter summer months. In the Philippines, providing comfortable outdoor microclimates (a distinctive climate in a small area) is critical to creating lively and vibrant open spaces.

As in many of the hottest cities

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View of the Central Park from the Entrance Plaza

around the world, most plazas and parks are used during early morning, or late afternoon, when the sun’s heat is less intense—or in the evening.

Filipinos have a particular love of shade due to their own climate experience.

And the local characteristic that any successful open space must achieve is that it must be maaliwalas, meaning breezy yet shaded, comfortable, quiet, and relaxing.

To achieve this, our design has focused on a combination of components that can positively influence microclimate, and help extend the hours that the park can be used. These components include

Aerial view of the entire Central Park

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natural sunlight and shade, wind, water, vegetation, and physical shade structures.

The park itself forms part of a primary network of interconnected city canals and river channels across New Clark City. This network aims to create a natural “green-blue” grid across the city that not only provides attractive and safe recreational open space for the community, but also performs an important role in environmental sustainability and resilience. It is also part of a wider water management strategy, which will help reduce the urban heat island effect (an occurrence that happens when natural land cover is replaced by structures that absorb and retain heat, such as buildings).

Furthermore, it will create biodiversity corridors and habitats. Other climate specific design considerations include providing shade on pedestrian walkways, through physical structures and green planting; and creating breeze corridors, which allow breeze to flow through open spaces and identifying cool spots within the park.

Landscape Architect Paulo Alcazeren provides a local view on the park design: “The creation of New Clark City's Central Park represents a shift back in urban development in the Philippines to a balance between open and built up spaces. It will be the first time in over eighty years that a large park is consciously planned as part of a larger open space network, and embedded as an essential aspect of a key public project. The Central Park, though situated within the larger context of New Clark City, is site specific. It acknowledges genius loci with literal roots traceable to the

original settlers of the area, as well as the natural and socio-economic histories of the region in the last half millenia.”

He adds, “The goal of the park's design is to help FIlipinos rediscover their ties to, and affinity with, nature, the changing seasons, and each other. It hopes to embody the Filipino concepts of being maaliwalas (expansive and comfortable), as well as pagmamalasakit (concern for people or community), which has its closest equivalent in the United Nation (UN) Habitat’s Sustainable Development Goals. The approach to the park's design will be based on a real understanding of how Filipinos use open space as a key ingredient—that is hitherto missing—in their communal lives. The final touch, of course, will be in selecting a more appropriate name for the park, one that lends it cultural specificity, while being ‘hashtagable,’ as well as truly Pilipino.”

Central Park will create a facility that showcases the value of enhancing public space provision in planned cities that is not only accessible and green but also, most importantly, replicable in other cities across the Philippines, and ultimately across other countries in the region.

The importance of making cities more liveable and ultimately more sustainable will be one of the great challenges of the post pandemic era.

Increasingly, we will see urban design strategies that are underpinned by a commitment to high quality climateresponsive public spaces that bring down the temperature and provide space for the population to breathe.

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KEY FEATURES AND SPACES 1 THE LAKE

The lake is a central feature in the park.

It plays an important, practical role as a retention pond within a wider water strategy for New Clark City, and helps create a more resilient community. The lake is an important natural habitat for biodiversity, and a recreation space for a range of sports, relaxation, and waterbased activities. Cafes and food venues will line the lakeside.

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2 LAKESIDE PROMENADE

The Central Park is characterised by its extended waterfront. A continuous, connected promenade, which loops around the entirety of the park, has been created to maximise the waterfront experience. The promenade is designed to be accessible to those with pedestrian priority. It is also cooled by shade from the trees.

Additionally, it creates a fitness and wellness loop that is meant to be enjoyed by the local community, including workers from the local offices or residents. The park includes cycle paths and an iconic cycle bridge connecting the north and south of the park.

3 LAKESIDE STAGE

Located in the center of the park, with the backdrop of the evolving city skyline and the waterfront, the “floating” Lakeside Stage is a place for the New Clark City community to come together to celebrate events and the Filipino love of performance and the arts.

4 THE MEADOWS

The meadows are located at the highest point of the park, with views of the future city skyline. It is a multifunctional space that will serve as an escape from the city: a place for family picnics, yoga sessions, outdoor

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meetings, etc. Surrounded and framed by indigenous woodland, this open space also provides an opportunity for public art. It is one of the key locations of the park’s open air gallery, where works from commissioned local and international artists will be gathered.

5 SPORTS PARK ZONE

With focus on health and wellness, the Sports Park Zone is a dedicated sports club at the heart of New Clark City Central Park. It has a range of facilities, including basketball courts, multisports pitches, and changing facilities.

With the city as its dramatic backdrop, this space may even be booked during the weekdays and evenings, so those working in the central business district could enjoy it.

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CHILDREN'S WOODLAND PLAY AREA

One of the key programmes of the park is providing a setting for many different types of play, for people of all ages. The area is composed of a series of imaginative play spaces within a woodland setting, which creates vibrant, lively, and inclusive play opportunities that blend naturalistic play and colourful installations.

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ETHNOBOTANY AND COMMUNITY GARDEN

Ethnobotany is the study of how people and cultures use plants. The new ethnobotany and community garden showcases species of plants that are deeply-seated into traditional cultures of the Philippines, including edible plants. The outdoor garden is where visitors can learn about the various local plants, and how these plants are used traditionally by the indigenous communities of the region.

The gardens have a communal area that can be owned and developed by the local residents and visitors. The park also includes a marketplace, where the local community can sell produce.

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BAMBOO GARDEN

The bamboo garden is one of the quieter areas in the park. It celebrates the local tradition of growing and using bamboo for construction.

Meandering boardwalks take people closer to the water—through the wetlands and bamboo groves. The bamboo artworks also add to the beautiful aesthetic of the place

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The King who found his perfect cup of coffee

By Zyrelle del Prado

K

ing is a happy sight at the old Starbucks in Camp John Hay, Baguio City. His palpable warmth and contagious joy makes him the first thing that you notice as you enter the popular café—dubbed by frequent visitors as one of the coziest branches in the entire country. His name is Christian Buan, a 27-year-old barista, whose dreams in his fascinating life are as grand as his moniker.

Where it all began It has been four years since King took a chance at a job application for Starbucks—and it all began with his love for his lolo and lola. As a child, he grew up making a cup of coffee for his grandparents.

“My lolo was a taxi driver,” he begins telling his story. “Early morning, when he gets up, he and my lola would drink coffee together to boost their energy, so they can get going throughout the day.”

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Contrary to his name, though, King’s childhood was far from royal. In fact, his body learned how to digest coffee quite differently. To make ends meet, he and his family had to contend with lack of money by eating rice with coffee. They would pour their coffee over a hot bowl of rice, and that would be a complete meal for them.

But King, industrious that he was, would not be deterred by what was handed to him by fate. After years of back-breaking work, his family got him through college, where he finished a degree in marketing.

LOCATORS

After graduation, getting a job was naturally first in his list of priorities.

He used the knowledge he learned in school by learning how to sell and market products. Although he was able to make a decent living out of his skills, he found himself jumping from one job after another.

“I talked to different kinds of people, but I found no human connection,” he says.

Pursuing his passion One day, in late 2017, a friend of King’s encouraged him to apply for a barista position at Starbucks - Camp John Hay. He laughs as he recalls the moment he decided to take the opportunity: “If I will be hired here, it means I’m handsome. Haha! My friend who encouraged me to apply for Starbucks is tall and good-looking. The baristas I encountered when I was applying were all also good-looking. So, I said, if I were to be hired, I would belong to this good-looking group.”

In retrospect, King believes his curiosity, and his endearing memories of making a cup of coffee for his lolo and lola, equipped him with the natural skills he needed to make a proper brew. He says the first time he handled the espresso machine—after proper training from Starbucks—he was able to operate it without a glitch, even when he was under pressure. Creating concoctions, too, came naturally to him.

He explains, “My mentor taught me to decrypt the proper steps, amount of ingredients, and coffee grinding.

He intentionally skipped some of the details when I was training [so I could figure it out for myself].”

As he got better, he started crafting different flavor concoctions; and sometimes, he says, customers would ask for his suggestions for a personalized blend.

A few weeks into being a barista, King realized he had found the human connection missing in his previous jobs.

“When you capture the customer’s palate, that’s where friendship, passion, and camaraderie intertwine,” he muses, “because they will look for you no matter what branch you are in, and request that you craft their favorite drinks.”

He adds, “In my years as a barista, I have learned to read what customers like. It comes with a certain age group, nationality, weather, and mood.

Nevertheless, if you do not like your drink, we replace it, or we can add more or add less of the ingredients.”

He realized, too, that whatever his customer’s background or status or emotional state is, everyone comes together, all equal, in this classic cafe, surrounded by the smell of pine trees and crisp air.

Brewing for Lolo When King was rediscovering his passion for coffee, an unfortunate situation befell their family: his beloved lolo fell into a coma.

“Eventually, my income went to hospital bills,” he recalls with sadness in his voice. Fortunately, his skills paid off, and he was promoted only after a year of working for Starbucks. The added income eased off the family’s financial burden.

Sadly, after battling his disease, Lolo passed away.

Tearing up, he recalls, “During Lolo’s eulogy, I told him, ‘Ngayong may pangkape na tayo, hindi naman na kita matitimplahan ng kape.’”

He says proudly, “Binubuhos ko ’yong love for my lolo in every handcrafted beverage and blended coffee I make every day. So, I can really say, Starbucks is my perfect cup of coffee.”

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LOCATORS

READY FOR TAKE-OFF

By January Guia Caringal-Bawat

E

very goal starts with a dream, and every dream starts with inspiration. However, as people grow older, they come across obstacles, which may push them away from these goals. One such challenge is the ongoing pandemic, a monster of an obstacle that brought normal life to a halt.

But in the midst of this crisis, a bunch of determined dreamers at the San Fernando Airport keep soaring high.

It's never too late The San Fernando Airport has been dubbed as one of the best aviation hubs in Northern Luzon as it caters to a lot of flying schools, such as the Leading Edge International Aviation Academy Inc. (LEIAA) and Alpha Aviation Group (AAG)—both of which are locators of the Poro Point Management Corporation (PPMC).

At LEIAA, a man named Macbeth Escorpian Yamagata is making his dreams come true—at the age of 40.

Yamagata was a former Captain at the Philippine Air Force and a member of the Corps of Professors of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

His dream of becoming a pilot started when he was young: “My father was Japanese and we always traveled.

We would always be in airports and airplanes. When I saw how busy the airports were and how beautiful the airplanes were, I’d feel happy. I enjoyed the feeling of being inside the plane. I used to go inside the cockpit and roam 18 Collective / Issue 13

the aisles, and since then I dreamt of becoming a pilot someday.”

Born in Manila, Yamagata began his primary education at the La Salle Green Hills, Mandaluyong City, before his family transferred to Baguio City, where he enrolled at the Brent International School. However, life changed for his family when his father left them in 1995. “Things were hard after my father abandoned us,” he recalls. “But instead of losing my focus, I had to stand up for my family, especially since it was just me, my sister, and mother.”

Admittedly a shy guy, Yagamata began working as a newspaper boy to help his mother provide for their family, while he was in school. He toiled hard to get good grades and earn scholarships all throughout his academic life.

“While working, I got a university scholarship at the University of Baguio and studied there,” he says. “When I went to Saint Louis University as an Electrical and Computer Engineering student, I also got a full scholarship from the Department of Science

Macbeth Escorpian Yamagata

and Technology. Ever since we were abandoned, I always put my studies first because I wanted to support my family, and pursue my dream of becoming a pilot.”

During his third year in college, he took the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) entrance examinations and passed. He entered the academy with hopes of making his dream one step closer to reality.

However, after a short stint at the academy, he realized that his father’s betrayal made him too idealistic and cynical, and adjusting to life inside the academy became too difficult. Soon, he left PMA. In the years that followed, he studied even harder, and finally graduated summa cum laude at the Manila Business College. Later, he was accepted as a foundation scholar at the Asian Institute of Management.

With his dream still in mind, Yamagata pushed himself further by joining the Philippine Air Force as an enlisted personnel. He rose from the ranks and became a professor, and then as the head of Academics at the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Officer School in Lipa City, Batangas.

Eventually, he became director for training at Air Education, Training and Doctrine Command.

While he was at PAF, he already had his eyes set on LEIAA, an immensely popular school in the Air Force. Until, one day, he decided to try his luck by taking the Flying Scholarship Program exam.

Luckily, in 2019, he was granted a full scholarship, and Yamagata resigned

from the AFP to pursue his studies.

However, in early 2020 the pandemic hit the country, and all school activities were put on hold until November.

“The changes in the community quarantine made it difficult to study because you lose the momentum,” Yagamata reveals. “I was on standby for almost a year, so when school started again, I had to learn how to go back to my studying pace. Then ECQ was again implemented. You lose focus, and even more motivation is needed.”

After months of uncertainty and painful waiting, the flight training finally started in January 2021, in San Fernando, La Union. With the COVID-19 restrictions, LEIAA opted to have its students housed in the dormitory, allowing for uninterrupted training.

On May 29, 2021, Yagamata successfully finished his first solo flight.

At 40 years old, Yamagata is proof that the right amount of passion and drive can get anyone through any obstacle. Now, he plans to become an instructor pilot as soon as he finishes school. “I think teaching has been my calling,” he ponders. “I want to become an instructor pilot—teaching while still being a pilot. When I started teaching, there was a rewarding feeling and sense of fulfillment. You can see how you shape your student’s future, as well as the organization. Whenever I teach, I try to include my life’s stories to inspire my students to not get swayed by life’s challenges, to continue with their dreams, and to push further no matter what happens and whatever life throws at you.”

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Taking risks Renz Darwin F. Estiva, 35, was an aeronautical engineer at Etihad Airways for seven years before enrolling at a flying school.

He has yearned to become a pilot since he was seven years old: “My mom sent me to Dubai to visit her. Then I saw this huge aircraft and instantly I became fascinated with aviation. My fallback was to become an aeronautical engineer, since it is expensive to become a pilot. I thought, maybe I could pursue my dream after.”

As he learned more about aviation, he began to realize his desire was not just about the aircraft. “The pilot commands the aircraft, so it is about the authority and the distinction that he has,” Estiva expounds. “That made me more interested to become a pilot.”

Born in the municipality of Sariaya, Quezon province, Estiva took Aeronautical Engineering at Patts College of Aeronautics in Parañaque City. After graduating in 2008, he took the board exams to become a licensed aeronautical engineer. He got his license that same year, and immediately took a job at Zest Air (now AirAsia Philippines). In time, his skills and experience brought him around the world, and landed him jobs at the Singapore Airlines Engineering Co., Global Jet Dubai, and Etihad Airways.

The more he became an efficient and dependable employee, the more the international airline companies offered benefits for his family, including tuition fee allowance for his children, and free travel twice a year.

But while his job at Etihad offered stability and a clear future, he couldn’t seem to brush off his childhood dream of spending hours flying planes. After

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being bothered about it for years, he finally gave in to his yearning. It took months of careful planning before the family arrived at a decision: His wife would resign from her nursing job in the United Arab Emirates to support him.

In 2019, when all was set, Etihad promoted him—which he took as a sign that must stay for a bit longer.

A year later, the company was badly hit by the pandemic, and had to let go of some people. Estiva decided to resign from his post, and finally, in December 2020, he and his family came home to the Philippines.

Flying school Shortly after arriving in the country, Estiva visited AAG to enroll. He explains his choice, “AAG has the fastest and most convenient program, since it has a complete program.

Other schools will have to collaborate for them to have that program. But AAG has it all and they have the best facilities.” Estiva started training in January 2021.

Renz Darwin F. Estiva

“The best time to start is always now,” Estiva explains his decision to attend a flying school in the middle of a pandemic. “It is not next week; it is not next year. Actually, the main reason why it took me a little bit longer to start flying school was because I had an established career. But I did not want to have any regrets in life.

So, I decided this is the right time.

This time of pandemic has everyone stepping back. I am pushing myself and stepping forward to pursue my dreams of becoming a pilot. I am one of those brave souls.”

Estiva reveals himself to be an “overly optimistic and positive person,” which bodes well for someone who belongs in an ever-evolving industry. “In every situation, I see that there is an opportunity,” he concludes.

His ultimate goal now is to become an airline pilot. “Now, people are thinking that there is a problem with aviation or it is lagging, but what I see is that when everything comes back to normal, I will be ready.”

On April 30, 2021, Estiva successfully finished his first solo flight.

Leading Edge International Aviation Academy Inc. (LEIAA) was established in 2007 by five alumni of the Philippine Air Force Flying School, namely Major General Gilbert S Llanto, AFP (Ret), Major General Rolando F. Capacia, AFP (Ret), Colonel Gonzalo A. Capili, PAF (Ret), Lieutenant General Roy O Deveraturda, AFP (Ret), and Captain Jacob Sacro. Their collected dreams to create an aviation school that would produce world-class pilots started with a head office and a training facility in San Fernando, La Union. It then branched out with an extension office in Taguig City. Recently, a second training facility in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, was established.

LEIAA offers quality and extensive pilot courses and is adequately equipped with modern classrooms, two flight simulator training devices, two maintenance hangars, a training fleet composed of twenty-three Cessna 172, and fully furnished student dormitory rooms.

Alpha Aviation Group (AAG) is a global brand providing world-class pilot training solutions for aspiring pilots, client airlines, and other industry partners. It was established in Clark, Pampanga in 2006, with its headquarters in London, United Kingdom. AAG’s mission is “to train and develop world-class pilots and future leaders for the aviation industry by providing top-of-class training solutions.” Its vision is to see “an AAG-trained pilot in every flight deck in the region.” Since 2006, the Group has produced over 1,700 pilots with around 1,000 graduates now flying for local and regional airlines. Currently, it is the biggest institution in the country, having the largest and most advanced fleet of flight simulation training devices and basic flight trainer aircrafts. It is also one of Asia’s premier providers of innovative and game-changing pilot training solutions.

AAG is also the only ISO certified Approved Training Organization (ATO) in the Philippines for its Quality Management System (ISO 9001:2015), Environmental Management System (ISO 14001:2015) and Occupational Health and Safety (ISO 45001:2018). The institution’s corporate center is in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, with four other basic flight training operational hubs in Northern Luzon: Subic and Iba in Zambales province, La Union province, and Laoag City in Ilocos Norte.

Collective / Issue 13 21

LOCATORS

What's in a SafeTravels stamp?

By Denver Moreno

T

ourism has been one of the most affected sectors of this pandemic, where several countries had to close borders in order to prevent further adverse effects.

When some community lockdowns were downgraded into a modified general community quarantine, local tourism partially opened, and significantly helped in softening the blow of the pandemic to the economy.

This is the government’s initiative towards re-activating the tourism sector, which was hardest-hit, and was among the most damaged global industries, especially in places where it is a key economic pillar.

Gearing towards tourism reboot Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga is a primary business center, where local and international businesses are located. Nestled amidst the sprawling Freeport Zone are world-class hotel and resort brands that vastly contribute to the province’s economy.

To restore tourism activities in the province, the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) encouraged hotels in Clark to apply for a SafeTravels stamp, which is given by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).

The WTTC is an international organization that certifies compliance with global health standards to allow for safer travel experiences.

The businesses that are qualified for the SafeTravels stamp are hotels, airlines, restaurants, and tour operators, among others.

As of June 2021, two hotels in 22 Collective / Issue 13

Clark have already received their certification from WTTC: The Quest Hotel Clark, which got its accreditation in June 2020; and the Hilton Clark Sun Valley Resort, which was certified in May 2021. WTTC awards the certification to hotels that are operating for leisure purposes, thus, hotels that are being used as a COVID-19 quarantine facilities are not yet qualified to apply for the stamp certification.

On the other hand, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) also certified mix-used hotels in Clark with a safety seal. These hotels have effectively complied with the health and safety protocols implemented by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID). The Quest Hotel Clark, Clark Marriott Hotel, Hilton Clark Sun Valley Resort, and Park Inn by Radisson Clark have all been given the safety seal.

These certifications, which guarantee continued operations, are just some of the many steps being undertaken by businesses to cope with their losses.

A hope for the future As Clark primarily capitalizes on tourism, the health and safety of tourists are the utmost priority. The CDC assures the public that they are continuously coming up with sustainable plans that will support economic recovery in their area.

Truly, Clark has been setting standards in this new phase we call the “better normal.”

PHOTOS COURTE SY OF NEL SON & HAWORTH AND MIMOSA PLUS GOLF COUR SE

LOCATORS

Bringing back Mimosa Plus Golf Course

By Marie Therese Cimafranca

I

n the 1990s, what was known as the Clark Air Base of the U.S. military unfolded into a promising growth area for the Central Luzon Region. It began on March 13, 1992, when President Corazon Aquino signed into law the Republic Act 7227 (Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992). Soon, former president Fidel V. Ramos led the creation of the Bases Conversion and Development

Authority’s (BCDA) implementing arm in Clark Freeport—the Clark Development Corporation (CDC).

In the same decade, Clark was declared the future site of a premier international airport, and that it would become a flourishing mixeduse development, which would pave the way for the tourism landscape. In this era, the Clark Air Base Golf Club was transformed. It was split into two courses by the Mimosa Leisure Estate: the Mountainview and the Acacia Lakeview.

In a historic moment, renowned professional golfer Tiger Woods made headlines when he played his first international exhibition in Mimosa,

Collective / Issue 13 23

with then Philippines’ top golfer, Cassius Casas—which prompted sports pundits to proclaim the golf course as one of the top championship courses in the country at the time.

Fast forward to the present: the leisure estate has been resurrected as Filinvest Mimosa + Leisure City, where the township adopts a new master plan that’s centered on recreation.

Seeking solitude in Mimosa If one is pining for a quick escape from the overbearing hustle and bustle of the city, a weekend jaunt at the Mimosa Plus in Clark is a good place to start. Only an hour and a half drive from Manila, Mimosa Plus is a 201-hectare sprawling property of the Filinvest Group in Clark Freeport— where both business and leisure rub shoulders.

The verdant land is surrounded by the breathtaking views of Mount Arayat, the Zambales mountain range, and the Dolores River. It is also known for its top-tier convention hotel, the Quest Plus Conference Center, and as well as its prime golf course.

24 Collective / Issue 13

Tee Time at the Mountainview course Perfect for the better normal, where social distancing is a must, is the Mountainview course—a newly renovated 18-hole course perched on the picturesque terrain of Mimosa Plus.

To rehabilitate the golf course, Filinvest commissioned Hawaii-based golf course architect firm Nelson & Haworth.

Brett Mogg, a partner at the firm, shares, “A large part of the modifications, especially to the Mountainview course, was to make them more playable for higher handicap players [a golf handicap is a measure of a golfer's potential]. The Mountainview can be tough to play, particularly off the back tees, but we wanted to make it more playable from the middle and forward tees, so some bunkers that only come into play for higher handicappers were removed. Now there is more room to run the ball on to the green and more bailouts.” This makes Mountainview worthwhile to golfers of all levels.

Mogg adds, “It is a fine line though.

Dramatic and visually exciting holes are part of what visiting golfers are looking for, so the bunkers that remain, and are in play, have been re-finished and rebuilt to be more visually striking. New bunker liners help achieve this goal, and these were not around when the original courses were built.”

Among the works done in the 18hole course were the improvement of its bunkers and greens—smoothing the path to create an organic connection between the holes and the Acacia-lined landscape of the vast property of Mimosa Plus. The grasses have also been refined with Trinity and Zeon Zoysia, a sustainable type of grass that requires less water and chemicals for maintenance. Along with the course’s new irrigation system, sustainability in terms of water consumption for the maintenance of the golf course is guaranteed.

The Mountainview course remains a popular choice for both local golfers and visitors from other countries, like South Korea. Its undulating terrain poses unforgiving difficulty to both beginners and seasoned golfers.

Regardless, the stunning vistas of Clark and Mimosa Plus’s centuryold canopy trees make the golfing experience worth the sweat.

By the end of the year, Mimosa Plus is set to launch the upgraded 18-hole Acacia Lakeview course. This completes the 36 holes of Mimosa Plus Golf Course.

Safe and reliable experience guaranteed at Mimosa Plus Golf Course Mimosa Plus Golf Course implements Culture of Clean, a program providing the highest standards of cleanliness and sanitation in all its areas. Mimosa Plus received its SafeTravels Stamp by the World Travel & Tourism Council in July 2020, in recognition of its

Culture of Clean program and its compliance to the global safety and hygiene standard.

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PROFILES

SPOTLIGHT

Josephine Gotianun-Yap

By Vanessa Abellon

J

osephine Gotianun-Yap grew up in a world where strength of character, conscientiousness, and a flair for balancing acts are deemed more crucial than social constructs, or gender biases. It was inevitable, then, for her to dissuade people from saying she’s a woman leader. “The truth is I don't define myself as a woman leader but just as a business leader,” she tells the Collective in this exclusive interview.

“I don't define challenges from a gender perspective.”

Now, as the president and chief executive officer of Filinvest Development Corporation (FDC)— one of the companies that form the consortium LIPAD (Luzon International Premier Airport Development), which currently handles the operations and maintenance of the Clark International Airport (CRK)—Gotianun-Yap is set to break more boundaries for the family-owned company that’s more than half a century old.

26 Collective / Issue 13

Being in a male-dominated space is not new to you. In fact, you were part of the first batch of female Ateneans. What was that like?

I was among a handful of first coeds to graduate from the Ateneo de Manila University, and I consider myself fortunate that it provided an environment that allowed women to thrive and excel. I never felt any gender bias throughout my stay there.

Being the minority gender also gave us certain advantages. Ladies-first was still prevalent in those days as well, so we were even allowed to go to the front of our registration line. The best advantage was that it was easy to stand out in class with the professors.

The Ateneo mantra, “A Man for Others,” has also influenced my outlook in life. On a larger scale, our companies also strive to abide by the principles of sustainability and social responsibility so that we can be of service to the community and preserve the environment for future generations.

Are women better leaders?

I wouldn’t go so far as to say that women are better leaders since I don't define challenges from a gender perspective. However, in some businesses that are still maledominated, I think being female brings a different perspective into the boardroom that greatly expands the possibilities.

My mother is the first female universal bank president in the Philippines, and I was lucky to have an in-house mentor both at home and in the workplace. Filinvest already had a diverse executive team with many key women executives as early as the ’60s, so gender was never an issue in choice of leaders.

If I were to give advice to the younger generation of women, it would be to forget old stereotypes and gender biases. Get the best education, hone your skills, and carry yourself with

confidence. Remember, a strong work ethic and a non-stop drive to keep learning and improving yourself will take you a long way in any industry.

Whether you are a man or woman, results speak for themselves.

What is it like to be a woman leader during these times?

It is worth noting that the Philippines always emerges among the top 10 countries in the world in terms of gender equality and number 1 in Asia.

The truth is I don’t define myself as a woman leader, but just as a business leader. To be a leader in a time of pandemic is a great challenge. It calls for involvement beyond business as usual. Workplace safety becomes paramount and accelerated digital transformation a must. We launched a Safe at Work communications campaign to provide all the up-todate scientific information to better guide our workforce. It also calls for involvement beyond the four walls of your business, and the need to take an active part in public health and the country’s fight against COVID-19.

Filinvest played an active role with a more than Php100M war chest vs.

COVID-19.

Do you have free time?

I start my day early, around 1 a.m., and I go through my emails, docusigns, and research during the quiet hours of the day without distractions. I am lucky that I am among the 1-3% of the population who are short sleepers, without insomnia. So, I am able to function with only four to five hours of sleep. And I get an extra five hours of quiet time when everyone is asleep.

When the kids were growing up, it was breakfast with them before they went to school. But today, during the pandemic, it's a walk-at-home video exercise.

I have dinner at home and my head is on my pillow by 8 p.m.

Collective / Issue 13

Filinvest Development Corporation President and CEO Josephine Gotianun-Yap during the momentous groundbreaking ceremony of Filinvest New Clark City

During free time, I enjoy a short game of 9 holes of golf or a 30-minute swim. I have returned to tennis during the pandemic, playing with a tennis machine. These are all stress relievers and endorphin releasers.

I also enjoy being with my husband and kids whenever possible. Nowadays, the highlight is time with my grandson.

I am hoping in my retirement to be able to do some art—painting and clay sculptures—which I used to do when I was younger and not as busy.

Let’s talk about LIPAD. How is Filinvest's involvement in LIPAD in line with the company’s goals?

We constantly remind ourselves of FDC’s vision to empower Filipinos to attain their dreams—with a mission focused on the underserved markets.

Our involvement in LIPAD is a step towards this vision. The partnership of LIPAD with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the national government will maximize the potential of CRK as an international gateway, providing improved services, passenger experience, and commercial offerings to air travelers.

28 Collective / Issue 13

Moreover, from the perspective of FDC, the success of CRK is important to the long-term viability of the New Clark City project, which is the national government’s showcase as City of the Future. Filinvest Land, the real estate arm of FDC, is the first joint venture partner of the government in this project, which is envisioned as a model for a smart, green and resilient metropolis. It is projected to provide livelihood to over 600,000 people in the region, and become an inclusive home to an estimated population of 1.2 million people.

With the ongoing pandemic, how will LIPAD contribute to the Philippine economy?

Our investment of over Php6 billion in the airport definitely contributed to the economy. This is all part of the “Build Build Build” infrastructure program and the government’s expansive fiscal policy. This kept the wheels of the economy running even during the pandemic.

The pandemic brought about major challenges for the management team of LIPAD. The level of adjustments in operations have been unprecedented—

ranging from financial contingencies, mitigating COVID-19 construction disruptions, crisis management, and public health and safety issues.

The LIPAD team acted with resiliency and agility, which led to the delivery of a new world-class terminal while supporting the government’s repatriation efforts. LIPAD successfully instituted the new normal protocols, which provided passengers traveling through CRK with a safe, secure, and worry-free environment.

How do you see Filinvest improve further the lives of the Filipinos?

Our four major strategies are built on FBDC’s vision. These strategies are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: First, is to build scale and leverage on our strong foundations in property, financial services, and power. Second, is to build an eco-sustainable platform.

Third, is to forge partnerships with shared vision and values. And fourth, is to embrace digital transformation and prepare for digital disruption.

Filinvest Land is a pioneer in mass housing as well as in providing office space to the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry. East West Bank is the most retail-centric among the banks, providing financing to a great majority of the public.

Going forward, we are introducing new businesses to better the lives of the Filipinos.

During the pandemic, to further financial inclusion, East West Bank introduced the digital bank Komo, the first universal bank to do so.

Our digital arm, f(dev) also launched Investree, the first crowdfunding license to be issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission for financing small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

We have focused on environmentally sustainable industries: doing solar

roof tops, renewable energy projects, desalination water for Metro Cebu.

Recently, we launched Filinvest Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) to allow Filipinos to benefit from the rental income streams of the resilient and growing BPO industry. It’s an-REIT focused on sustainability, being the only one with a district cooling system that reduces carbon emissions and energy consumption. It is also situated in the first and only Central Business District with a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) V4 Gold Certification for neighborhood development.

What's the best career advice you've ever received, and from whom?

The lessons I have learned from my late father, Andrew Gotianun, Sr. are invaluable. I look up to him as an ideal in both life and business. He was a true visionary, adept at spotting both opportunities and challenges and responding accordingly.

These lessons allowed the Filinvest group to emerge among the top 10 conglomerates in terms of profitability in the pandemic year of 2020.

He summed up his business philosophy as a combination of hard work, integrity, and most importantly, focus. He always said that although making money is an important measure of success, he believes that honesty and fair play are equally important in doing business. Your reputation is paramount.

He always emphasized that in business, it is important to know how to adapt to the volatile business landscape—to know when to forge on and when to exercise prudence and wait out the storm. I think these are timeless lessons that still hold true, more so now as we go through this pandemic.

Collective / Issue 13 29

COVER STORY

Bringing the Changi Experience to the new Clark terminal

By Valore Jaime Veneracion

30 Collective / Issue 13

N

o less than Changi Airports International (CAI)—through its wholly owned subsidiary Changi Airports Philippines (I) Pte. Ltd. (CAP)—serves as a strategic shareholder and technical consultant at Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp. (LIPAD) for the operations of the newly completed Clark International Airport (CRK) passenger terminal.

In the world of airport operations, Changi Airports International is an undisputed juggernaut. Its extensive global experience in airport management, consultancy, and investment spans more than 60 airports in more than 20 countries.

Its crown jewel is the Changi Airport Singapore, which has been ranked number one by the prestigious Skytrax

World Airport Awards for the last eight years. More than 550 air terminals are assessed for the awards in terms of customer service and facilities.

Since the awards' inception in 1999, Changi Airport Singapore has been voted the world's best airport 11 out of 20 times.

Hopes are high that the Changi group would be able to replicate its success in Singapore at the new Clark terminal, enabling it to rise as Asia's next premier gateway.

Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) President and CEO Vince Dizon stressed the critical role that the Changi team played in the development of the new terminal, and the role that they will play in years to come.

Collective / Issue 13 31

In his remarks during President Duterte’s inspection of the new terminal last July 17, Dizon thanked private sector partners, including Changi Airports group in Singapore, “the operator of the best airport in the world,” for sharing their “expertise to the national government and making this airport a reality for every Filipino.”

Changi’s hallmark In an exclusive interview with The Collective, arranged in cooperation with LIPAD, the CAI in Singapore shared its insights on what the Changi group brings to the table in terms of delivering a top-notch airport experience.

“A smooth, seamless, and stress-free passenger journey is the hallmark of the Changi experience,” CAI said.

CAI noted that it worked closely with the local airport team to strengthen the range of airport services and elevate the new terminal to international standards.

These include the new 24/7 selfservice check-in and bag drop facilities for greater convenience; a state-ofthe-art baggage handling system and integrated security screening for better operational efficiency; and improved airport offerings, including more commercial options and passenger lounges, for greater comfort when the terminal fully opens.

The airport's design seeks to extend conveniences to all air travelers— regardless if they are on international or local flights.

“With the initial start of domestic flights, CRK Terminal 2 [T2] will first implement four new contact gates, allowing domestic passengers to board their flights from modern passenger loading bridges in comfort and with ease,” CAI said. “In addition to spacious domestic check-in, departure, and boarding areas, more seating and better facilities—such as restrooms

32 Collective / Issue 13

with improved accessibility—have been installed to provide passengers with a relaxing time as they wait for their flights.”

Before taking flight Achieving the calm, quiet, and relaxing experience envisioned at the new Clark terminal entails a strategic solution: a new Airport Operations Control Centre, which the CAI said it set up with the local airport team “away from the public eye” to improve command, control, communication, and coordination between multiple airport stakeholders.

“Through this centralized facility, airport operations and services can be monitored around the clock, with quick decision-making and response to faults, disruptions, and other incidents,” CAI said.

Following President Duterte's inspection of the new facility, the last piece of the puzzle before gaining regulators’ seal of approval is the completion of Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT).

LIPAD and the Changi group have already been preparing for the ORAT ahead of the President’s inspection.

This global practice is a period of intensive system testing and trials to ensure that the terminal’s work flows and processes are thoroughly thought out and robustly tested.

The Changi team in Singapore said, “CAI conducted a series of Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) activities prior to T2’s opening, and organized regular briefings among airport stakeholders, to ensure that everyone is aligned and familiar with the new systems and protocols.”

They added,” These will ensure that everything will run like clockwork when the new T2 opens, and passengers can enjoy a truly worldclass experience.”

Collective / Issue 12 33

34 Collective / Issue 13

Breaking the sound barrier at the new Clark terminal

By Valore Jaime Veneracion

T

he Clark International Airport new passenger terminal building (CRK NPTB) checks out all the boxes when it comes to state-of-the-art gateways of the future.

Inside and out, the four-level 116,000-square-meter megastructure is breathtaking.

Every detail has been meticulously thought through—from towering Austrian glued laminated (glulam) timber arches to the Kapampangan and European furniture, down to the curves of the carpet design.

One of the best features, however, is something invisible—and could hardly be heard at all.

“Bigger and better are what comes to mind when it comes to building new structures and integrating new technologies,” said Bi Yong Chungunco, Chief Executive Officer of the Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp. (LIPAD), which handles the airport's operations.

“For Clark International Airport's new terminal, to be better is to focus on something that sounds radical when talking about airports: calm. In the new terminal, we will operate a ‘silent airport’ policy.”

Public announcements will be significantly reduced, particularly final call announcements and calls for late passengers.

Travelers will be notified through posted updates and announcement boards for quick reference. Noise at the airport will be reduced, thus creating a less stressful environment.

Chungunco said, “The intention is clear: to make the airport experience as seamless and as comfortable as possible. Passengers of all flights, whether it be domestic or international, inbound or outbound, are treated with the highest level of service, sans the blaring sounds.”

"Massive achievement" In spite of the obstacles brought about

by COVID-19, the terminal moved towards completion and is ready to take flight.

President Duterte lauded the accomplishment, stressing that the new gateway is expected to boost economic growth in North and Central Luzon.

“I commend the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Bases Conversion and Development

Collective / Issue 13 35

Authority (BCDA) and all our partners from the private sector for this massive achievement,” the President said during his inspection of the facility on July 17. “We are thankful that another major component of this administration's Build Build Build program is ready [to] benefit our people.”

President Duterte added, “The structure before us reflects the administration's unyielding commitment to improve the quality of life of every Filipino by providing big-ticket infrastructure projects such as this that will improve connectivity, mobility, create jobs, and disperse economic activity to the regions.”

In his own remarks during the inspection, BCDA President and CEO Vince Dizon acknowledged the concerted efforts to make the new terminal a reality.

“Thank you to the more than 3,000 workers, engineers, architects, and designers, who built this world-class airport for all of us,” Secretary Dizon said. “This is truly a testament to the skill and talent of the Filipino… Today, despite the challenges of the pandemic,

36 Collective / Issue 13

despite the scourge of COVID-19, this truly world-class airport is now here for every Filipino to enjoy.”

He added, “We hope and we pray that this unprecedented infrastructure program will be continued by the administrations to come.”

The Clark International Airport New Passenger Terminal Building is the first hybrid public-private partnership (PPP) project completed under the Build Build Build program of the Duterte administration. Construction of the structure was handled by a consortium of Megawide Construction Corporation and GMR Infrastructure Limited, while the fit out, operations and maintenance were later auctioned off and awarded to LIPAD. LIPAD is composed of Filinvest Development Corp., JG Summit Holdings, Inc., Philippine Airport Ground Support Services Inc., and Changi Airports Philippines (I) Pte. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Changi Airports International.

Global design firm Populous and local architectural company Casas+Architects were tapped for the fit out and interior design. Budji+Royal

Architecture+Design handled the structure's architectural design.

Pandemic-ready airport Now that it is undergoing a period of Operational Readiness Activation and Transition (ORAT) before getting the green light from regulators, the new gateway is already equipped with the silent solutions that make it ready for air travel under the new normal.

Modern technology allows Clark passengers to do more things by themselves.

Self-service kiosks for passenger check-in and bag drops are available to ensure minimal contact between passenger and airport personnel.

Even food ordering at the airport restaurants will be contactless, and will be done via QR codes.

Walk your way The consistent use of colors was a subtle but deliberate strategy to guide passengers in the airport.

For international flyers, for instance, may follow the green carpet. Taking a domestic flight? Walk the blue path.

The terminal's interiors were meant to be “deeply intuitive,” Chungunco said.

She added, “Our goal for Clark International Airport, even prior to the pandemic, is very straightforward, and you will see it in our company vision: To be the country’s premier gateway by revolutionizing the way we travel and the way the world experiences the Philippines. More so now, when passengers are more careful when traveling, and are looking for more secure options because of COVID-19.”

One security check Part and parcel of the effort to achieve a silent, chaos-free airport experience is to minimize the long lines and waiting times.

At the new Clark terminal, passengers only go through one security check. The X-ray scanners are positioned before the immigration counters. Once passengers pass through, domestic travelers turn right and proceed to their gates.

Those on international trips, meanwhile, walk straight ahead for immigration processing. Plus, there are no more second X-ray check afterwards.

As the lines disappear, so too will the chances of close contact and unnecessary mingling of travelers.

Seal of approval Last year, Clark International Airport became the first Philippine air terminal to gain Airport Health Accreditation by the Airports Council International (ACI).

ACI aims to recognize airports for their efforts in prioritizing health and safety measures introduced to airports worldwide because of the COVID-19 pandemic. CRK went through ACI’s rigorous evaluation process and assessment on how aligned their health measures are against global standards, along with industry best practices.

“These efforts, and the learnings gained during the process of earning this (ACI) accreditation, will naturally extend to the new terminal, to ensure that the airport will remain a safe and secure place for passengers, staff, regulators, and governments,” Chungunco said.

BCDA, DOTr, LIPAD, government partners, and the rest of the team behind the new terminal are banking on their wealth of experience, coupled with the design and technological innovations, to make the new Clark passenger terminal a truly safe and modern gateway that is among the best in the world.

Collective / Issue 13 37

SNAPSHOTS

IN PHOTOS

The driving force behind the newly completed Clark International Airport terminal

By Chrisee Jalyssa dela Paz

I

t took more than 3,000 Filipino workers, engineers, architects, and designers; globally renowned partners, like Changi Airport team and GMR Group; and the unyielding determination of the administration to develop Clark International Airport (CRK) into a modern, premier gateway.

Built in 1993 with only two runways and a terminal, CRK, formerly known as Diosdado Macapagal International Airport, has been the gateway of choice for travelers from Northern and Central Luzon, or for those who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of Metro Manila.

In the past decades, CRK has seen the number of passengers increase to millions per year. Against the backdrop of worsening congestion at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and rising costs of traffic woes, President Rodrigo Duterte had a tall order to its economic managers: “Paginhawain niyo ang pang araw-araw na buhay ng Pilipino [Make the daily lives of Filipinos more comfortable].”

One of the administration’s strategies is to modernize and upgrade the Clark International Airport, to accommodate the growing air traffic through North and Central Luzon.

38 Collective / Issue 13

With this goal in mind, more than 3,000 workers, architects, engineers, and designers worked tirelessly, even when the pandemic struck in 2020.

To jumpstart the project, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) auctioned off the engineering, procurement and construction of the new CRK terminal, which the consortium of Megawide Construction Corporation and India-based GMR Group won in 2017. Construction started that same year.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the joint venture of Megawide and GMR Group delivered a new passenger terminal building of over 110,000 square meters, in a record time of 24 months.

Touted as the one of the Philippines’ fastest flagship projects, the Megawide-GMR group, in January 2021, handed over the new terminal building to BCDA and DOTr, which subsequently turned over the new terminal's operations and maintenance to the LIPAD consortium.

The goal of the administration and its private partners is to finally open the doors of the newly completed CRK passenger terminal building to passengers and guests before 2021 ends.

President Rodrigo Duterte (second from right) led the inspection of the newly completed CRK terminal building on July 17, 2021. The President lauded the “massive achievement” that would benefit millions of Filipinos.

In photo: LIPAD CEO Bi Yong Chungunco attended the formal turnover of CRK's operations and maintenance (O&M) to LIPAD.

PHOTO FROM PRESIDENTIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS DIVISION

Collective / Issue 13 39

Assisted by BCDA President and CEO Vince Dizon (leftmost), Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade (second from left) and LIPAD CEO Bi Yong Chungunco (rightmost), President Duterte was among the first to try the new terminal’s “contactless” features including common-use self-service kiosks and self-service bag drops.

PHOTO FROM PRESIDENTIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS DIVISION

Prominent government officials and dignitaries, including Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III (leftmost); former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (second from right), current presidential adviser for Clark Programs and Projects; Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat (second from left); and French Ambassador to the Philippines Michele Boccoz (in red) were also given a tour of the new terminal.

Guests at the inspection activity of the new CRK terminal building were treated to a Kapampangan cultural dance presentation, which paid homage to the cultural roots of the new terminal’s home.

40 Collective / Issue 13

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III (rightmost) and several Metro Manila mayors visited the exclusive transit lounge for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) during the inspection activity. The lounge is a key feature of the new CRK terminal.

“This world-class airport terminal will ease the congestion in NAIA, as it would cater to Northern and Central Luzon and also those who would want to fly here instead,” Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso (left) told reporters on the sidelines of the inspection activity of the new CRK terminal.

“The now-iconic wavy silhouette of the building reflects the lines of Mt. Arayat, while the patterns of the interior ceilings pay homage to the parols of Pampanga,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat (rightmost) said, lauding the modern Filipino architecture and design of the new terminal. “I can’t wait for this terminal to be fully operational.”

For Secretary Dizon (right) and Secretary Tugade, two of the leaders behind the flagship project, the modernization and upgrade of the Clark International Airport is much-needed for today’s recovery, and tomorrow’s growth amid the pandemic.

Seen as one of the answers to President Duterte’s mandate to make Filipino’s lives better, the new CRK terminal will provide a modern air travel experience, generate jobs, help the economy recover from the pandemic, and equip Northern and Central Luzon with modern and efficient transportation infrastructure.

Collective / Issue 13 41

FREEPORTS AND ECOZONES

A day of hope

By Chrisee Jalyssa dela Paz

H

ealth care frontliners at the National Government Administrative Center (NGAC) quarantine facilities in New Clark City will look back at May 5, 2021 as more than just another day at work.

On that Wednesday morning, the frontliners bade tearful goodbyes, sending off 153 patients who recovered from COVID-19—most of these patients were returning overseas Filipinos (OFs).

The mission was accomplished, for sure, and it was a fulfilling moment for the workers and volunteers. But for April Rose Palafox, NGAC head nurse, something bigger filled her heart and mind. She felt excitement.

In fact, she told us, the feeling at the entire NGAC was electric.

“All the patients were really excited to go home,” Palafox recalled. “They said they came back home because they missed their family and loved ones.

We [NGAC frontliners] were excited for them, too. That is why a couple of days before their discharge date, we made sure everything was properly coordinated and went smoothly.”

Ahead of the May 5 mass discharge, Palafox said she and her colleagues had been busy juggling tasks: coordinating with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) for the

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patients’ discharge and transport, providing meals and life-saving medicine, delivering packages from loved ones, and decontaminating the facility.

Before the storm The situation at NGAC was much different in early 2021, compared to late last year, Palafox told us: in those tumultuous times, nurses and doctors would attend to about 70 patients at a time. Fast forward to early-2021, when some days would go by with barely new patients coming in.

However, the pandemic took a turn for the worse in March and April, when COVID-19 infections surged. Suddenly, NGAC healthcare workers were looking after some 300 patients, with about 40 to 60 new endorsed patients a day.

Dra. Maria Clemencita Dobles, head of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) Health and Sanitation Division, said in a phone interview, “It was something unexpected even if we already had knowledge of the new variants. The infection rate was faster than expected. Health care frontliners were overwhelmed. They do so much effort and you see them going beyond their limits. Some were taking double shifts or working overtime to

make sure all patients were properly endorsed.”

Exhausted, but undefeated In the face of overwhelming odds, NGAC health care workers refused to give up against the invisible enemy.

“We were shocked,” Palafox said.

She added, “We were already in full capacity [yet more patients kept arriving]. It was a difficult time for us because, of course, you want everyone to be taken care of. We feared for ourselves and for our family. But here in our facilities, we always say, ‘Kaya natin ’yan [we can do this].’ We wouldn't let exhaustion nor fear defeat us.”

As the national vaccination rollout gained speed, and as travel restrictions began to ease, Palafox said the number of patients being admitted at NGAC has been slowly decreasing. From 90% to 100% occupancy rate around March and April, the figure at NGAC facilities is now down to 30%.

“The construction of new quarantine facilities have also helped us with the load,” Palafox explained. “This was a good move coming from our government to help not just those who contracted COVID-19, but also those who take care of them and treat them.”

In late April, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority converted

one building at NGAC into a temporary treatment and monitoring facility for COVID-19 patients with mild or asymptomatic cases. The new facility expanded Clark’s isolation capacity by another 171 beds, bringing the total to 1,121 (as of May 2021). Other buildings that were converted into mega quarantine centers were NGAC North Wing, NGAC South Wing, Athletes’ Village Building A, and Athletes’ Village Building B. The fifth of May will be remembered by the health care workers, like Nurse Palafox and Dra. Dobles, as a day of victory in NGAC. But the battle continues for these brave women and some 50 of their colleagues.

“All commendations to our frontliners,” Dr. Dobles said proudly.

“Even if the work in front of them is already overwhelming, they do not complain. They just say ‘yes’ to make sure those who tested positive are being taken care of.”

For her part, Nurse Palafox expressed optimism: “The mass discharge on May 5th brought us a glimmer of hope. My message to my co-frontliners is to carry on as this, too, shall pass. Just be patient. To the public, please stay at home and continue practicing minimum public health standards as we are not there yet.” – VDV

Collective / Issue 13 43

FREEPORTS AND ECOZONES

25 years of dedicated service An homage to the pioneers of CIAC

By Jojo Due

Employees come and go.

But there is a rare breed that stays with the company from the beginning, through thick and thin—pioneers, as they are referred to.

Such are some of the personnel of the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC), who not only saw the development of CIAC and the Clark International Airport (CRK), but also grew with the agency.

Batch Alpha Decades ago, Chito De Mesa, 48, an Economics and Aircraft Maintenance

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Engineering graduate from the Republic Central Colleges (RCC) in Angeles City, applied for the aviation security job at the Clark International Airport as a walk-in applicant.

With his qualifications, he got accepted, and was among the first batch of 53 trainees for the Airport Security Department (ASD) of the then fledgling Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC). They were called Batch Alpha.

The group started the rigid CIAC Aviation Security Training in May 1996.

And just a few weeks later, the batch

of trainees witnessed—and were put on duty during—the June 1996 maiden flight, the first commercial passenger flight from the Clark airport to Hong Kong. De Mesa recalled he earned a salary of Php5,800 for the job.

He added that since CIAC had no available sweeper truck during those early years, they were made to manually sweep the runway and taxiway to ensure they were clear of foreign object damage (FOD) during landing and take-off.

Looking back, De Mesa is certain that he came to the right place.

During his tenure as chief of Terminal Security Operation at CRK, he and the other pioneers witnessed several milestones in the company, such as the inaugural flights of airlines operating at the Clark airport—prior to its privatization and turn-over in August 2019. With much fulfillment in his voice, he added that as chief of Terminal Security Operation for more than 25 years, no major security breach occurred.

De Mesa and his colleagues also escorted VIPs, diplomats, and other government officials during visits to the Clark airport, or when these officials would be flying out of Clark.

More than just a job Today, De Mesa and some of his fellow pioneers are still with CIAC. They have stayed on and dedicated their lives to the company, believing that what they do is more than just a job. These staunch employees include Christopher Soliman, executive assistant of CIAC Strategic Development and Corporate Management (SDCM); Assistant Vice

President Darwin Cunanan; Arthur Galang, who is with the Procurement Department; and Emel Cunanan, who is now with the Property and Transportation Department.

Some of the security aviation security trainees have moved on to other departments at CIAC, continuing to serve the airport agency. Some have even climbed the corporate ladder, and have become department officials or supervisors.

Other pioneer personnel moved to Luzon International Premiere Airport Development (LIPAD), the consortium that currently handles the operations and maintenance (O&M) of CRK. Other pioneers whose dedication and service to CIAC are unquestionable include, Kathleen Limjoco-Gozo, Human Resources Department; Kristober Gomez, Records Management Office manager; Reynante Nanquil, officer in charge at the Airport Security Department; Riza Lozano, Community Relations Office manager; and Wilfredo Martinez, Transportation Department, among others.

As the Clark International Airport is preparing for its new passenger terminal’s formal opening, De Mesa and the loyal CIAC pioneers stand proud knowing they are part of Philippine aviation history. They were witnesses and players to how CIAC was able to transform the Clark International Airport from an ashladen land to what would be one of the busiest airports in the country. And their continued dedication to their job ensures that CIAC will continue to fly high in the years to come.

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HEROES

Salute to an unconventional soldier A story about Lieutenant Commander Anna Leah "Chai" Cazcarro

By Maricar Savella-Villamil

C

hai’s first job was as a physical therapist. Her dreams then were to work overseas after passing the board. Now she has served the country for 17 years, not as a medical professional but as a soldier.

Born in Zamboanga City to a military family, Lieutenant Commander Anna Leah “Chai” Cazcarro made it clear that becoming a soldier was never her first career choice. She remembers how she would worry for her father, Senior Chief Master Sergeant Porfirio Palad, whenever he was assigned in the provinces of Basilan or Sulu. Her dad was a member of the Philippine Marine Corps, and the experience of worrying for a loved one seemed to be enough for her to look away from a military career. Meanwhile, her mom, Mercedita, was a nurse.

In 2001, she graduated with a degree in Physical Therapy (PT) at the Southwestern University in Cebu City. She further honed her skills at the Manila Naval Hospital as an on the job trainee, and eventually, she was hired as a civilian employee.

It was her patients—all marines— who first invited her to take the exam to become a soldier. She was also a skilled badminton player at the military community facility, and even her soldier-teammates prompted her to take the exam. Her badminton

routine eventually prepared her for the physical fitness test, which was required for soldier recruits.

She reveals, “'Di ako nakapasa no’ng una,” because she missed the height requirement by half an inch.

A year later, Chai found herself taking the Naval Officer Candidate Course at the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC), Naval Station San Miguel (NSSM) in Zambales province. She trained for 15 months and continued the Mess and Supply Officer course. By mid-2006, and already a Philippine Navy line officer, Chai was gearing for a career opportunity in public affairs.

She explains: “Kapag line officer ka, puwede ka sa admin, sa barko, sa public affairs. I was 26 years old then.”

Never a quitter Chai's mom worked overseas. One time, her mom came home, and visited Chai at the training grounds in Cavite.

Chai distinctly remembers how her mother looked when she saw her firstborn bald for the first time.

“Gusto na niya ako isama pauwi,” Chai recalls. “Pero ang dad ko kasi, hindi ko makakalimutan ang sinabi nya na ‘when you start something, you need to finish it.’ Wala akong anak na quitter.” She jokes that since she was bald, her kikay self wanted to hide from her friends.

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Lt. Commander Anna Lea "Chai" Cazcarro during her graduation at Fort Bragg, after taking a course in Civil Affairs

In her class training, there were only six female students, alongside 33 male classmates. It never bothered her, though. In fact, it became a challenge for her to prove herself while dealing with the same rigorous training for hours, under the heat of the sun, as her male counterparts. Eventually, she got the hang of it, and appreciated being part of a team.

In school, another proud moment reinforced her decision to pursue a career in the military. While she was in the library, writing an essay for an assignment, she came across a book about her father and his colleagues during an encounter with rebels in Sulu. She discovered how his dad overcame critical challenges to restore peace in the community. “When I was younger, everytime my father left our home, takot ako and worried,” she recalls. “'Di ko naisip how great my father was, 'di ako naging interesado.”

Today, she is the only one among her four other siblings who followed her dad's footsteps. “Ako lang ang naglakas loob,” she says proudly.

Rising through the ranks In a school exposure trip in Subic, a confident lady soldier donning a

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Chai poses with her classmates at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, USA

glittery bag caught her eye. Curious, she asked about the lady, and she found out that she was an officer handling public affairs. It was then when she realized where she wanted to be.

The timing of their meeting was, indeed, perfect as Chai found herself eventually volunteering for a position vacated by the lady officer—a position not too popular among her fellow graduates. Lieutenant Commander Cazcarro was first assigned as an administrative officer of the Naval Public Affairs Office (NPAO), under Admiral Giovanni Bacordo, who eventually became the Flag Officer-inCommand (FOIC) of the Philippine Navy.

It was Admiral Bacordo who started employing women in public affairs offices. Chai affirms, “He taught me everything I know in public affairs: how to deal with media, building confidence, writing, communication, among others. Marami akong natutunan sa kanya. FOIC was my first mentor.”

As an ensign, she worked for two years at the NPAO, and was then transferred to the Philippine Fleet Public Affairs Office. After less than two months at the Fleet, she was assigned as deck and supply officer aboard BRP Dagupan City (LC 551),

a navy ship, where she took part in joint exercises Pagsisikap 2008 and Carat 2009, with other countries, for a year. Among her critical assignments at LC551 was her participation in a 45-day mission, which involved sealift (including transport personnel, vehicles, ammos, and logistics supplies) for various units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) throughout the country. She received a military commendation medal for her exemplary performance of this task.

By the end of March 2009, Chai was promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade, and by July of the same year, she was off to the AFP General Headquarters to work as admin officer at the Public Affairs Office, where she stayed for five years.

Since 2006, Chai has been receiving medals of merit for various assignments—although receiving accolades isn’t new to her. In her younger years, she had received various commendations for her involvement in law enforcement and civic action operations, as part of the anti-dissidence, anti-piracy, and antismuggling campaigns in different parts of the Philippines. The campaigns ran for over six months. During calamities, she also participated in rescue, relief, and rehabilitation operations within the islands of the Philippines and its territorial waters.

In our interview, Chai was generous in thanking all her bosses for the learnings gained. Her long list of mentors were among the best and brightest of the AFP, she says: LtGen Arnulfo "Boyet" Burgos, MGen Romeo Brawner, Jr., MGen Ariel Caculitan,

MGen Edgard Arevalo, and Col Ramon Zagala. She adds that from them, she gained confidence and knowledge in civil military operations, strategic communication, fiscal management, and stakeholder engagement.

While working with then PAO AFP Lieutenant Commander Demy Zagala, she was also given the opportunity to be a spokesperson for the BALIKATAN Exercises, where she valued the experience of being a leader, instead of being at the sidelines.

She admits that her current position, as chief protocol officer of the Office of the Secretary Joint Staff in the AFP, is the one closest to her heart.

As protocol chief, she handles big, critical events, which contribute to her knowledge in social graces, foreign affairs, civil military operations, and strategic communication.

Chai was quick to thank the AFP for the opportunities she was given to further hone her skills. As part of her military education, she has completed the following: the Naval Command and Staff course in Zambales; Civil Affairs Qualification course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, USA; Strategic Communication course at Canberra, Australia; as well as trainings in cyber security and security awareness, and CMO Correspondence; among others.

Being chased out at the West Philippine Sea “Malaki ang impact sa akin being in public affairs,” Chai declares.

She recounts that the highlight of her career happened when she was the officer-in-charge of the media escort during the resupply and troops rotation at Ayungin Shoal detachment at the West Philippine Sea. Part of her

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mission was to meet local and foreign media in the island of Palawan, and to bring them to Ayungin so that they can tell the story of the Filipino troops and the situation within the disputed territorial waters.

“We saw Vietnamese ships,” she tells her story. “'Di na Pilipino. The objective was malabas sa public ang situation ng West Philippine Sea. That was 2014.”

There were nine Philippine Marines personnel stationed in BRP Sierra Madre (LT-57) at Ayungin. They were supposed to man the ship while they monitored activities within Philippine territorial waters, and the mission was supposed to last for only three months.

Instead, the mission was extended to six months due to the harassment at sea. Thus, there was a need to resupply the ship and facilitate troop rotation and escort the overstaying marine personnel back to their command and their families.

It was Chai's first time at the Ayungin Shoal then. She remembers kissing the hull of BRP Sierra Madre upon arrival. She also recalls the situation of our overstaying marines then: “Mukha na silang ermitanyo.

Mabigat sa dibdib.”

As lead of the media group, Chai had the opportunity to go up the navy ship, to facilitate media interviews, and to talk to the marines and brief them. This resulted in heavy media coverage in both local and foreign media. It was a big story: Lieutenant General Emmanuel Bautista, the AFP Chief of Staff at that time, was put in the spotlight. Plus, the media covered how AFP airdropped Jollibee meals to boost the morale of troops assigned at Ayungin. In short, she succeeded in performing her task.

This success however did not discount the risk. Lieutenant Commander Cazcarro's group was threatened and asked to leave the waters, because they were told it was Chinese territory. There was no violence, she recalls, but there was

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imminent danger.

It was at that moment, when she realized the extent of her patriotism: “Sa sitwasyon na ’yon, mararamdaman mong handa kang makipaglaban para sa Pilipinas. Protektahan mo ang sa iyo. ‘Kayo ang umalis dito.’ Iba ang pakiramdam.”

Their ship was “chased out” until they reached shallow waters. Then, Chai recalls, the vessel seemed to stop harassing them upon seeing the media personnel taking video footage onboard. All these were monitored at the GHQ, and instructions were given via a satellite phone secured by Chai.

Chai shares what was running through her mind at that time: “Mixed emotions, fear. Nanay ka. Hindi mo alam ano mangyayari. Di ko nasabi na nasa Ayungin ako. I did not share the mission with anyone.”

As a gesture of support, before leaving the waters, her group, including members of the media, left everything that they bought in Palawan with the new troops on rotation at Ayungin Shoal.

Soon, Chai was awarded the Bronze Cross Medal for her heroism involving risk of life at the West Philippine Sea. Her experience was documented in a coffee table book entitled, The AFP in Challenging Times.

At the time of the interview, Chai's husband, LCDR Carlo Cazcarro was on assignment at the West Philippine Sea. They last saw each other in February.

The unconventional soldier “In my 17 years in service I never felt like I was working,” Chai says.

“I just enjoyed everything, whether I was assigned on a navy ship, or at the office because I always had good company. I would say I have grown as a navy officer in the military in an unconventional way, not in a way the public perceives the soldier. I am not on the battlefield.”

Chai during her stint as supply officer at the BRP Dagupan City, one of the most advanced transport ships of the Philippine Navy

Another memorable experience happened during her duty as a media escort, while they were going to Jolo and Basilan. The tour was cut short after sightings of the militant group Abu Sayyaf. They proceeded to Basilan and took a helicopter back to Zamboanga City.

“I celebrate small victories every day,” she says. “If I am able to organize an event without complaint and where the boss and everyone else are happily content, that is my great achievement for the day. I believe my small contributions promote big results.”

Through the pandemic “Walang pahinga kahit pandemic,” Chai shares her thoughts on the ongoing global crisis. “We are the first defense on everything. We help our health workers, our police force. Though we need to recharge, we know that we took an oath to serve. Never tayo mapapagod.”

As protocol chief, LCDR Cazcarro wants to be perceived as someone who is ready to serve with a smile, and someone who is easy to approach and ready to help. As a woman, she is grateful for gender and development programs that recognize the contribution of women in military service.

Chai being interviewed as a spokesperson for Balikatan 2009. Balikatan is an annual military exercise between the Philippines and the U.S. to ensure interoperability in the event of a natural disaster.

To conclude, Chai says she learned from her job that one does not have to die to become a hero. Her ultimate hero, for instance, is her father: “He is part of who I am right now. Malaki ang pasasalamat ko sa father ko, how he molded us to be the person we are now.”

She moves on to reflect on heroism.

She believes we encounter heroes everyday. Heroes are those who pay it forward, or someone who saves people from their own personal battles.

When asked if she wants her children to follow in her footsteps, she says she wants them to take another path: “I believe na kahit 'di ka sundalo, in your own way, you can show patriotism.”

Chai usually leaves the office by 7 p.m., and makes up for all the busy days by spending time with her two children on weekends. She and her firstborn, Uno, exercise together or do drive-thru for breakfast. They also binge-watch on Netflix and swim in their portable wave pool.

She tells her husband to do video calls with the family whenever the signal is good in his area because seeing their father makes the kids really happy, especially the youngest, Isabelle.

“As I said, I celebrate small victories every day,” she says. “Kung masaya pamilya ko, masaya na ako.”

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Sacobia Bridge Among newest impressive structures in Clark is the Sacobia Bridge, which links the New Clark City to the Clark International Airport. This 900-m iconic bridge is part of the 20-km access road from New Clark City to the airport, cutting the travel time from 45 minutes to just 15 minutes.