P135-M zoo to rise in Clark

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2015/09/01/p135-m-zoo-rise-clark-427841
• Tuesday, September 1, 2015

(Sun.Star Pampanga)

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has forged a contract with a firm for the construction of a P135-million zoo inside this freeport.

The agreement, signed by CDC President Arthur P. Tugade and Global Zoo and Theme Park Alliance Inc. (GZTPAI) President Romeo Siccion, would pave the way for the establishment of a zoo in Clark.

According to CDC's Marketing Department, the project would also include provision of haven for wildlife animals, establishment of a theme park, rides, adventure facilities, and other recreational and commercial activities.

The total lease land is 20 hectares which will employ about 140 workers in the next five years.

Tugade added that soft opening of the project will be next year or within the next 12 months upon the issuance of occupancy permit by the CDC, along with other permits that must be sought by GZTPAI from other government and regulatory bodies involved in zoo operations.

Siccion has private collection of tigers since 2007, including some imported species of birds, reptiles and other small animals which are in a mini zoo he established in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

Siccion said he decided to invest here because of the sound business climate in the Freeport, as well as the fast-growing tourism industry here and in the rest of the country.

He told Tugade that his vision is to create a place where love for animals could be advocated and shared to others and to educate Filipinos, particularly tourists, about wildlife conservation.

Siccion is currently president of Zoo World Inc., a member of the Philippine Zoos Association (PhilZoos) and Southeast Asian Zoos and Aquariums (SEAZA).