How do we put the Philippines among the top 1/3 of the world’s most competitive countries? One way is to develop the Clark/Subic-Manila-Batangas Logistics Corridor as a major transhipment and logistics hub in the Asia region given the country’s topography and geography.

Mr. Meneleo Carlos, chairman of the National Competitiveness Council, Infrastructure Working Group, believes this is achievable as we have begun to expand our ports and maritime facilities, airports, road and rail transport systems. He spoke at a seminar on the “Clark/Subic-Manila-Batangas Logistics Corridor: Our Competitive Edge,” held at the Asian Institute of Management, Makati City on April 30, 2008. A select group of CEOs of local and multinational companies as well as senior officials of government agencies such as NEDA, DPWH, DOF, SBMA participated in the meeting.

In his presentation, Mr. Carlos provided an overview of the key points and issues for a seamless logistics corridor. He cited the capacity of the container terminals at Subic Freefort and the International Port Terminal in Batangas, and the extensive Subic International Airport as good startling realities to pursue this Corridor. He said that the government must stress the designation of Subic and Batangas as principal gateways to decongest traffic in Metro Manila and promote intra-and inter-port competition.

On airport improvements, Mr. Carlos said that the government must define the air transport policy for the Domestic Manila International Airport (DMIA) being designated the country’s international gateway, and develop a master plan for DMIA. He also urged the administration to construct C6 as soon as possible, provide common-user bus terminal facility outside Metro Manila connected to MRT 7 line for provincial bus operators to unclog traffic, and provide a rail system from Clark to the Central Business Districts of Metro Manila.

The National Competitiveness Council established through Executive Order 571 (2006) organised the seminar. Mr Carlos as a Council member is the seamless infrastructure network, private sector champion.