SHORTLY after the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) revealed plans to construct a stadium in Clark capable of catering major concerts featuring international performers like Taylor Swift, concerns arose among Filipinos that it might encroach upon the traditional lands of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) that are supposed to be untouched and unharmed.
CIAC President and CEO Arrey Perez said that the stadium will be located within walking distance from Clark International Airport in Pampanga.
The project is expected to cost P32 billion and cover an area of approximately 40 hectares and is projected to be finished by 2028.
However, following this announcement, several Filipinos criticized the proposed location where the stadium is expected to be established adding that this was the very same place where “Aetas” were displaced in their territories to pave the way for the construction of several infrastructures in Clark and New Clark City
Will the stadium be the key to bringing Taylor Swift to the Philippines at last? CIAC said it plans to woo the international sensation for a performance once the entertainment complex is completed by 2028.
Some concerned social media users said that only the IPs are set to suffer should the stadium be completed.
“Our indigenous people—the Aetas, for instance. Sila at iba pang karaniwang mga mamamayan ng lugar ang maaapektuhan sa ganitong land conversion projects na ang sentro ay libangan,” Berke Sigrid said in a now-viral post.
Apart from Sigrid, several other social media users are expressing their disapproval of the construction of the concert stadium.
“It’s not about Taylor Swift, it’s about our Indigenous Peoples,” said Wyatt Agaloos.
Officials have not yet addressed criticisms or clarified the exact location in Clark where the stadium will be built but the planned stadium will have between 25,000 and 35,000 seats, which they believe is more suitable than a larger 50,000-seat arena.
The CIAC official said three investors — one from Singapore, one from the United States, and a local company — are interested in funding the project, which will operate under a Public-Private Partnership.
