Pampanga’s new CBD set to rise in San Fernando
The City of San Fernando, Pampanga will soon have another source of economic pride, besides being the agricultural processing center of Central Luzon and the Christmas capital of the Philippines, as it will be the site of yet another grand township project — largescale, self- sustaining mixed- use development — of Megaworld, one of the country’s leading real estate developers.
“Capital Town shall rise to be Megaworld’s first integrated urban township in the north, the 21st in its portfolio, as we continue to build visions and self-sustaining communities that embody our signature lifestyle concept of ‘Live, Work, Play and Learn’ in one vibrant location after another, for 27 years and counting, carrying the vision of Dr. Andrew L. Tan for Megaworld,” said Eugene Em Lozano, first vicepresident for sales and marketing at Megaworld Pampanga.
Capital Town — the future home of an assortment of residential, commercial, cultural and institutional establishments — will occupy 35.6 hectares of land which was formerly taken up by the iconic Pampanga Sugar Development Company ( PASUDECO).
PASUDECO, the first Filipino financed sugar mill in the province, had a big hand in the economic advancement of the City of San Fernando. Capital Town is envisioned as the same growth engine as PASUDECO was, generating hundreds of thousands of jobs, especially in the businessprocess outsourcing industry, and enhancing the economic potential not just of the City of San Fernando, but even of the entire province of Pampanga.
Approximately six hectares of Capital Town is devoted to its crown jewel, the Shophouse District. “The Shophouse District shall showcase the best of what Pampanga has to offer, bringing together unique and homegrown business concepts in one setting, in support of Kapampangan’s entrepreneurial spirit,” Mr. Lozano said. “We aim to position this as a distinct tourist attraction in the City of San Fernando.”
The Shophouse District, lined with salibongbong and alibangbang trees, will be home to three- story shophouses, with sizes ranging from 276 to 680 square meters.
According to Mr. Lozano, lots in the district, some of which will have alfresco areas perfect for food businesses, will be sold to those who want to run a business there and live there at the same time. The first two floors of the shophouses, for instance, may be used as commercial spaces, while the topmost floor as residence. “This is a unique offering that we will introduce in Capital Town to help local entrepreneurs and businesses,” Mr. Lozano said.
As i s the case with al l of Megaworld’s townships, Capital Town is going to be in close proximity to major roads and transport hubs. It will only take around f ive minutes to access the North Luzon Expressway. Travel time to Clark International Airport is going to be less than half an hour. The main township road, San Fernando Boulevard, will measure 30 meters wide, spanning six lanes, and extend from the Capitol Boulevard all the way to Jose Abad Santos Avenue ( Olongapo- Gapan Road).
Around 25% of Capital Town will be allocated to landscaped open spaces, pocket gardens, water features, fountains, small parks, functional road networks and trails for leisure walks, jogging and biking. The future denizens of the township will have no reason to worry about the shortage of spaces where they can unwind and enjoy their leisure pursuits.
In recognition of the profound inf luence of PASUDECO, a heritage museum will be built and contain the significant artifacts of the old sugar central. Monuments to the historic figures who hailed from Pampanga, and to those who established PASUDECO, will be erected at various points around the township. “We want to be able to weave this high historic value to the present and next generations of Kapampangans,” Mr. Lozano said.
Capital Town will provide a platform for the Kapampangans to their unique and amazing artistry — especially their culinary prowess. An events trade hall will be put up where exhibitions related to design, lifestyle and the like can take place. Even local and international trade shows can be held there to showcase the province’s commercial output. There will also be an amphitheater where concer t s and cultural performances can be staged.
“Every great structure rises from a solid foundation. Capital Town will emerge as the next central business district of the north, growing from the roots of San Fernando, Pampanga,” Mr. Lozano said. “Megaworld is here to promote progress, while preserving traditions and values.”