Palace looking into proposal to build Disneyland in Clark

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang said yesterday it is open to the proposal of Pampanga Rep. Carmelo Lazatin to invite Walt Disney Company to build a Disneyland theme park in Clark, Pampanga.

Lazatin wrote Robert Iger, chairman and chief executive of Walt Disney, asking him to consider Clark as the location for their next Walt Disney Park.

He said Clark’s 4,400-hectare main zone and 27,600-hectare subzone would be perfect for a new park.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said there is no reason to block such proposal.

“That has to be studied... Of course, we get the general idea because it will bring in business and promote tourism. That’s what the President (Aquino) always says,” Valte said.

“It has many multiplier effects, but we will have to study it first...You remember what President Aquino said during the energy summit (in Davao City last week)? If it’s a reasonable proposal, there’s no reason why we should not look into it,” Valte said.

Lazatin told Walt Disney the tax-free privileges given to locators at the Clark Freeport Zone made it an attractive destination for investors.

He also cited Clark International Airport that is expected to serve at least 1.6 million passengers this year.

He said the airport would make it easier for tourists to enjoy the amenities and entertainment Disneyland is famous for without the hassles of long travel.

Apart from the airport, which will offer convenience to visitors, hotel accommodations will not be a problem as Clark has the best hotels where visitors can enjoy Filipino hospitality, he said.

“With our population of more than 90 million Filipinos, a Disneyland theme park in the Philippines could be a major income generating site for your company,” he said, adding that some four million tourists visit the country every year.