New Clark has no ancestral domain — BCDA

CAPAS, TARLAC — The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the local government unit of Capas assured that there are no ancestral domains within the on-going construction site of the New Clark City.

These Aetas are accredited by the National Commission on Indigenous People and have been compensated accordingly.

In a press conference held Thursday morning at the Capas Municipal Hall, Mayor Reynaldo Catacutan said there is no truth to the news that “there are tens of thousands of farmers and tribes people living in the 9,450-hectare development area that we know to be as BCDA’s New Clark City.”

He said, “What we have are 12 IPs affected by the Bamban-Capas Access Road and the recreational facility.”

He explained these Aetas are accredited by the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) and have been compensated accordingly, and are actively being consulted to ensure they are included in the development projects.

BCDA senior vice president for business development and operations engineer Joshua Bingcang said the construction of New Clark City not only pushes regional growth, but also promotes inclusive development as the infrastructure project creates opportunities for IP, residents and farmers.

Located within the Clark Special Economic Zone, New Clark City is government land owned by the BCDA. There are no declared ancestral domains or Certificates of Ancestral Domain Titles in the area.