SM’s footprint in Clark: a bustling gateway to the north
LOOK: SM’s footprint in Clark adopts the group’s integrated property development (IPD) approach in boosting economic growth through a blend of retail, residential, commercial, and leisure spaces. | Photo courtesy of SM Investments
PASAY CITY, Philippines, 17 October 2024 — The SM group’s integrated and strategically located properties in Central Luzon’s Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone—SM City Clark, SM Offices, National University, SMX Convention Center and Park Inn by Radisson Clark all located within a complex, serve as economic and cultural hubs, complementing Clark’s rapid development as a gateway to the north.
The transformation of Central Luzon’s Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone in Pampanga continues to provide an alternative in addressing the rapid urbanization in Metro Manila. Clark’s evolution into a gateway destination for business and lifestyle is driven by strategic infrastructure development, a thriving tourism sector, and public-private partnerships further contributing to its growth.
“This region has steadily grown and is becoming a hub for growth,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan. “That’s why in recent years, we have supported that growth through our integrated properties to help spur economic activity for the benefit of communities where we operate.”
From its initial foray into the Freeport in 2006, available jobs across the different SM properties in the area now contributes over 20% of the total jobs out of the 138,000 individuals currently employed in Clark. In SM Offices alone, there are over 22,000 jobs across all current 10 office towers in addition to the 5,000 mall tenants in SM City Clark.
NU Clark officially launched in September 2023 in Pampanga marking its second campus in Central Luzon. | Photo courtesy of SM Investments.
SM’s presence in Clark has evolved in accordance to the needs of the community, bringing access to quality education, and the promotion of tourism and local heritage through its integrated property development approach.
“The impact of SM in terms of integrating economic activity and investments has been consistent,” a representative from the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) said.
In 2023, SM City Clark ranked among the top five revenue generators, contributing 6% to CDC's total revenues.
The complex’s proximity to Clark International Airport, the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), and soon the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) is anticipated to boost mobility and access to and from different northern regions.
