The Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) has launched its redevelopment plans with a sustainable approach through its Urban Renewal Heritage Program, which will focus on water recycling and gas emissions as part of its vision to reinstate Clark as the country’s aviation capital.

In an interview on Straight Talk with Daily Tribune, CIAC president and CEO Joseph Alcazar said that the program prioritizes the construction of a nature park in the vicinity of the city, along with a water catchment area near the Dolores River in Angeles, Pampanga.

“There’s a long river that flows through Clark, known as the Dolores River. We’re planning to develop a nature park around that river, similar to what you might find in Singapore, blending nature and commercial spaces — much like Clark Quay,” Alcazar said.

“One of the sustainable objectives is to create a river park and designate certain parts of our development as water catchment areas. This would help prevent floods in the future. Although, as you know, Clark is a very disaster-resilient area — no floods, no earthquakes,” Alcazar added.

Another objective of the program is to recycle gray water, or wastewater from soap and detergent use disposed of by households, which “addresses the availability and supply of water in the event of a future shortage.”

Meanwhile, the CIAC has been coordinating with the Department of Transportation to reduce carbon emissions produced by the airport. Alcazar noted that this could create a “new industry” focused on managing the airline sector’s carbon footprint.

“If I’m not mistaken, there’s a 2050 strategy aimed at reducing carbon emissions. This could also foster a new industry in regulating or promoting the use of biofuels for carriers and airlines,” he said.

“This is a global program. Other international airports have been working toward implementing these practices. Ultimately, our goal is to generate carbon credits for Clark, contributing to a very sustainable environment,” he added.