It is common knowledge for everyone to associate Pampanga with good food. From breakfast staple tocino to the crowd’s favorite sisig, the region remains uncontested in its years-long understanding of every twist and turn of a Filipino stomach.
In fact, you can always expect Kapampangans to whip up something from scratch and still make it taste like an ultimate dream. This is why the province is hailed as the Culinary Capital of the Philippines. For passionate food lovers and critics alike, the place is nothing short of hidden treasures waiting to be devoured.
However, there is more to it than its gastronomic delights. According to the 2022 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI), the rise of different modern infrastructures allowed Pampanga to rank 12th among the most competitive provinces in the country.
Improvement in Transport Accessibility
If you are planning to invest in a good property, we suggest you consider getting it from the Pampanga area. Unbeknownst to many, the province doesn’t require a long trip, and only takes an hour or two drive away from the Metro.
The highly urbanized district is considered a strategic location, as it is connected to major roads, such as the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). This promises commuters faster travel time and decreases the potential of getting stuck in traffic.
During the first quarter of 2021, the local government unit (LGU) of Pampanga even made drastic developments, conducting several road projects that can help not only tourists, but also locals to have a seamless transportation experience.
Both the two-lane Sto. Niño Bridge and Marimla Bridge have enhanced community connection. Additionally, the Lazatin Steel Flyover was also opened for public use to ease traffic congestion from San Fernando City to its neighboring provinces, Bataan and Zambales.
For those wanting to go by air or have families coming over from abroad, there is no need to worry, as Pampanga also has its own airport terminal. The Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) caters to both domestic and international flights. Recently, the transport company also introduced the addition of a Passenger Terminal building with the capacity of holding 8 million passengers annually.
A Place for Economic Growth, Business, and Job Opportunities
Contrary to popular belief, job opportunities are not only available in Manila; they can also be found at the growing center of Angeles City, Pampanga.
Divided into two sectors, the Clark Freeport Zone and Special Economic Zone (CFEZ) when combined take up a large area of Pampanga, spanning from Mabalacat and Porac to even portions of neighboring towns, Bamban and Capas, Tarlac.
With the former serving as a business and leisure hub, different tourist spots, cultural heritage sites, and commercial buildings are all located within its 30-square-kilometer radius. People can come here anytime with their loved ones either for entertainment, aviation, or educational purposes.
The Clark Freeport Zone is also known as the area where most celebrations are held. One of its highly-anticipated festivals conducted yearly is centered on showcasing different gigantic hot-air balloons in vibrant colors. This boosts economic growth and increases the employment rate in the province.
Conversely, the Special Economic Zone is dedicated to the air forces of the Philippines. The said area still covers some of the remnants of the former United States Air Force facility, Clark Air Base, while the others were converted to Clark International Airport.
Emergence of More Townships and Demand for Condominium Units
Given that Pampanga is gradually evolving to follow in the footsteps of Metro Manila, it is only right to welcome the prospects of having new townships (at least vertically).
According to Colliers, a Canada-based investment marketing company, the province is already undergoing major urbanization with the rise of Rockwell’s Nepo Center in Angeles, featuring a mid-rise residential condominium, and Powerplant Mall Angeles.
From 2022 to 2025, Pampanga is also set to have about 750 condominium units, all of which are located in township projects, such as Filinvest’s Mimosa Leisure Estate and Megaworld’s Capital Town. With this, the province is more likely to be the most preferred property investment destination in the country over time.
There are many factors to consider when it comes to choosing the right home for you. While relocating from one place to another sounds like an easy task, putting it into practice is much harder, and requires a different level of courage to let go of the comfort you have now.
Still, Pampanga poses the potential to start afresh with a new lifestyle and promise of livelihood ahead. Despite the uncertainty, we must know when to take the risk, and hold on to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of ensuring a good return on investment in the long run.
