A Comparative Analysis of Fort Bonifacio (Global City), Subic Bay Freeport Zone, and Clark Free Economic Zone This paper aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the economic and infrastructural development of three significant free zones in the Philippines: Fort Bonifacio (Global City), Subic Bay Freeport Zone, and Clark Free Economic Zone. The study will compare their growth, unique features, and potential for future expansion, highlighting their role in the country's overall economic progress. To provide an analysis of Fort Bonifacio (Global City), Subic Bay Freeport Zone, and Clark Free Economic Zone, let's first understand their locations, economic activities, and key features. Fort Bonifacio (Global City) a. Built Form- characterized by its modern and well-planned built form. The area has undergone significant transformation from a former military base to a bustling urban center with a mix of residential, commercial, and institutional spaces. Modern and contemporary architectural styles have had a significant impact on the built form of Global City. Buildings are meant to be functional, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing, with glass and steel facades contributing to the city's sleek and sophisticated image. b. Mix of land uses- recognized for its balanced and integrated mix of land uses, which has played an important role in its successful transition from a military base to a modern urban center. This carefully planned strategy assures a perfect blend of residential, commercial, and institutional areas, which contributes to the area's vibrant environment and economic development. c. Street Layout- designed to improve traffic flow, accessibility, and promote a wellorganized urban layout. The area's grid-like street structure, combined with well-planned road networks, helps to improve connectivity and general functionality. d. Size of Property Lots- varies according to their location and planned use. As a result of urban planning efforts, lot sizes have been intentionally designed to allow various types of developments while promoting effective land use. Typical residential lot sizes range from 60 to 300 square meters (645 to 3,229 square feet) for individual houses or townhouses. For condominium developments, lot sizes are much smaller, as they primarily consist of vertical living spaces. Commercial lots in Fort Bonifacio are built to accommodate a variety of businesses, including malls, office buildings, and hotels. These lots are often larger than residential lots, from 500 to over 2,000 square meters (5,382 to 21,527 square feet). A commercial lot's size is determined by the development's scale and the property's intended use. Mixed-use lots in Global City are intended to combine residential, commercial, and recreational spaces into a single complex. These lots can be larger, ranging from 1,000 to over 5,000 square meters (10,764 to 53,820 square feet), depending on the size of the project and the number of services included. e. Treatment of the Public Realm- The public realm of Fort Bonifacio (Global City) is an important part of the built environment because it improves the overall quality of life for residents, workers, and tourists. Urban planners and developers in the neighborhood have worked to create a public realm that is dynamic, accessible, and sustainable, with parks, open spaces, pedestrian walkways, and public transportation infrastructure. f. Treatment of the Automobile and/or Public Transportation- has taken a comprehensive approach to managing automobile use and encouraging public transportation. The area's urban design prioritizes sustainable development and traffic reduction, resulting in a wellconnected public transportation system and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. Fig. 1 Fig. 3 Fig. 2 Fig. 4 Fig. 5 Subic Bay Freeport Zone a. Built Form- characterized by a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial developments. Its master plan emphasizes the integration of multiple land uses, thereby supporting a balanced and sustainable growth strategy. The zone has modern infrastructure, such as well-planned roads, utilities, and communication networks, which help to increase connectivity and accessibility. b. Mix of land uses- strategically designed and implemented a combination of land uses to create a balanced and sustainable environment. This diversified land-use pattern fosters economic development, social well-being, and environmental conservation. The variety of land uses in Subic Bay Freeport Zone can be classified into the following sectors: Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Tourism, Transportation and Infrastructure, Institutional and Government, Open Spaces and Recreational Areas. c. Street Layout- As a well-planned and strategically built free trade and economic zone in the Philippines, the street layout is designed to promote smooth traffic flow, ease of access to numerous establishments, and a visually appealing environment. d. Size of Property Lots- covers an area of approximately 44.42 square kilometers (17.15 square miles) and provides a range of property lots for residential, commercial, and industrial use. The size of these property lots vary according to the specific needs and goals of investors and businesses. e. Treatment of the Public Realm- The public realm in Subic Bay Freeport Zone is managed in a way that balances economic development with maintaining a pleasant environment for residents, workers, and visitors. This method ensures that the zone remains a desirable location for both businesses and tourists. f. Treatment of the Automobile and/or Public Transportation- designed to promote efficient, environmentally friendly, and convenient movement within the territory. The zone has put in place a number of safeguards to guarantee that residents and visitors have easy access to the area. To promote the use of public transportation, SBMA has established several bus terminals and shuttle services across the Freeport. These services connect various areas of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and meet the requirements of both the residents and tourists. Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3 Fig. 4 Clark Free Economic Zone a. Built Form- has seen outstanding urban growth since its conversion from a former US Air Force base. Clark Freeport Zone's physical form combines modern and traditional architectural elements, representing its growing identity as a hub for diverse economic sectors. Clark Freeport Zone's master planning and urban design were guided by ideas of sustainability, connection, and functionality. The zone's layout stresses space efficiency, with well-planned road networks, open areas, and mixed-use developments. b. Mix of land uses- A well-planned mixed-use development in the Philippines, the Clark Free Economic Zone (CFEZ) integrates a variety of land uses to build an integrated and self-sufficient society. A self-sufficient and integrated community that promotes economic growth, employment, and a good quality of life is fostered by the zone's combination of industrial, commercial, residential, educational, recreational, and transportation amenities. c. Street Layout- The street plan of the Clark Free Economic Zone (CFEZ) is intended to promote efficient traffic flow and simple access to a range of businesses within the zone. The region is separated into a number of zones, including Residential Areas, Industrial Park, and Central Business District (CBD). d. Size of Property Lots- The 4,400-hectare Clark Freeport Zone (CFZ) is situated in the province of Pampanga in Central Luzon, about 80 kilometers north of Metro Manila. Clark Freeport Zone provides a wide choice of property lots to meet a variety of demands and interests. The sizes of these property lots vary, providing options for enterprises and individuals wishing to establish themselves in the zone. Clark Freeport Zone offers the following property lot sizes: Small Lots: These are typically fewer than 1,000 square meters (sq.m.) in size and are ideal for small-scale businesses, residential projects, or even commercial properties. Medium lots range in size from 1,000 square meters. Medium-sized lots, measuring up to 5,000 square meters, are appropriate for larger companies, industrial buildings, or mixed-use complexes. Large Lots: Lots larger than 5,000 square meters. are regarded huge and are generally intended for significant enterprises, logistical facilities, or even the establishment of new subdivisions and townships. e. Treatment of the Public Realm- The management and development of public areas, amenities, and services inside the Clark Free Economic Zone (CFEZ) is referred to as the "treatment of the public realm" in order to provide a secure, convenient, and welcoming atmosphere for both locals and guests. CFEZ strives to meet the requirements of the general people while simultaneously offering businesses and investors a welcoming and favorable environment. f. Treatment of the Automobile and/or Public Transportation- The Clark Freeport Zone prioritizes convenience, economy, and sustainability when it comes to both public transportation and autos. The zone seeks to provide a balanced and accessible environment for its workers, residents, and visitors by investing in infrastructure development and encouraging environmentally friendly forms of transportation. Fig. 1 Fig. 3 Fig. 2 Fig. 4 Similarities Fort Bonifacio (Global City), Subic Bay Freeport Zone, and Clark Free Economic Zone are all important economic zones in the Philippines with certain similarities: 1. Special Economic Zones: All three locations are designated as special economic zones, which means they receive tax and regulatory breaks to attract firms and investments. 2. Foreign Investments: These zones attract foreign investment, which leads to the formation of diverse international corporations and businesses, hence promoting economic growth and employment creation. 3. Infrastructure Development: The Philippine government has invested in infrastructure development within these zones to attract enterprises and investors. This encompasses modern transportation systems, utilities, and communication networks. 4. Tourism: While these zones are primarily concerned with economic growth, they also provide tourist attractions and services, which benefit the country's entire tourism business. 5. Mixed-Use Development: Each zone contains a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, fostering a balanced and sustainable development approach. 6. Security: These zones have increased security measures in place to protect the safety of inhabitants and companies within their jurisdiction. Despite these commonalities, each zone has its own distinct traits and advantages. For example, Global City (Fort Bonifacio) is known for its modern skyline and central business district, Subic Bay Freeport Zone is known for its deep-water port and naval station, and Clark Free Economic Zone is noted for its large land size and closeness to Clark International Airport. “Community” a. What or who makes a community? Is anyone excluded? A group of people who have similar values, interests, aspirations, or life experiences constitute a community. They meet together to socialize, encourage, and impart knowledge to one another. Communities can be formed around a variety of topics, including geography, occupation, interests, religion, and cultural background. A community should, in theory, include everyone. Inclusivity is the cornerstone upon which communities are constructed, welcoming members of all backgrounds to engage and make contributions. But occasionally, communities may purposefully or unintentionally exclude people due to biases, prejudices, or other reasons. This isn't the genuine essence of a community, and it needs to be addressed in order to advance positivity and justice. b. Who is targeted in promotional literature or writings? Writings or material intended to promote a good, service, or concept are usually directed at prospective clients, consumers, or customers. These promotional materials aim to educate, convince, or sway the intended audience to interact with the given good, service, or concept. Depending on the promotion's objectives, the target audience may be anyone from the general public to a particular demographic or niche market. c. How important are the physical characteristics to making a “community?” A community's physical attributes are important in defining and forming it. These attributes include the built environment, natural resources, infrastructure, climate, and geographic location. They have the power to affect the socioeconomic, cultural, and lifestyle choices of the local populace. It is important to remember, though, that a community's soul cannot be determined solely by its physical attributes. A community's collective identity and cohesiveness are shaped more by its members' shared experiences, values, and beliefs than by external factors. In conclusion, a community's physical attributes play a significant role in defining its environment, but its members and their shared spirit are what really define it. Using promotional literature and/or images and maps, discuss your understanding of any implicit assumptions regarding "community." How do these assumptions reveal themselves? The concept of "community" is frequently associated with implicit assumptions seen in promotional materials and imagery, which can manifest in a variety of ways. Depending on the setting, the intended audience, and the goal of the promotional content, these presumptions might change. I'll talk about several prevalent, unspoken presumptions about communities here, along with their manifestations. • Homogeneity: Marketing materials may present a community as being made up of individuals from similar socioeconomic, cultural, or racial backgrounds. This presumption has the potential to exclude or ignore the various people and groups that make up the community and to foster a false sense of togetherness. • Shared interests and values: Communities are frequently portrayed in advertisements as having these things in common, which can simplify the intricacies that exist within a community. Those who don't share these purported common ideals or interests may find themselves excluded as a result of this presumption. • Geographic proximity: A particular geographic location is frequently linked to the term "community". Promotional materials could make the assumption that neighbors have similar wants, interests, and experiences. This presumption may fail to take into account the possibility that neighbors may have diverse origins, experiences, and viewpoints. • Social cohesion: Advertisements could imply that people live in close-knit groups with solid social ties. This presumption may put pressure on people to live up to the expectations and standards that the community holds dear, which may result in the marginalization or exclusion of those who don't fit in. • Economic prosperity: Assuming that all members of the community share in this success, promotional materials may showcase the potential for economic prosperity within a community. This may ignore the fact that there are economic and income gaps in the neighborhood. • Continuity and stability: Communities are sometimes portrayed in advertisements as being unchanging, stable, and having a common past and future. This presumption may ignore how dynamic communities are, continually changing as a result of things like migration, shifting economic conditions, and cultural upheavals. To summarize, representations of homogeneity, shared values, proximity to one another, social cohesiveness, stability, and economic prosperity can all be clues to implicit beliefs about "community" found in advertising materials and imagery. These presumptions may result in oversimplifications and omissions that may not fairly reflect the diversity and complexity of actual societies. Finally, the comparative analysis of Fort Bonifacio (Global City), Subic Bay Freeport Zone, and Clark Free Economic Zone shows that each place has distinct characteristics and chances for growth. Fort Bonifacio, with its strong emphasis on business and commercial development, has attracted a large number of global firms and has grown into a bustling metropolitan center. Subic Bay Freeport Zone, with its strategic position and well-developed infrastructure, has emerged as a significant hub for the logistics and shipping sectors. Lastly, Clark Free Economic Zone, with its large geographical size and continuing infrastructural improvements, has the potential to become a significant economic and industrial hub in the region. While each of these zones has advantages, it is essential to consider environmental sustainability, social development, and regional balance while planning for their future expansion. By encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing within these zones, the Philippines can maximize its economic potential and provide a brighter future for its population.
