Mary Grace Hindang | PA 152 [Urban and Metropolitan Governance]

Posted on June 16, 2025

Our field visit to New Clark City had been mentioned to us by our faculty-in-charge (FIC) as early as the beginning of the semester. However, the schedule kept getting postponed until it finally pushed through on May 5. From the moment we stepped out of the van, I already felt the warmth and hospitality of the officers who welcomed and guided us. That sense of being welcomed, paired with everything I saw and experienced, left me in awe throughout the entire trip.

I was amazed by three main things. First, the location itself—it reminded me of Bonifacio Global City, only in its early stages of development. Second, the offices were exceptionally clean and modern, with impressive facilities and beautiful views. And third, the people—the staff who assisted us were genuinely kind, approachable, and professional.

Students of PA 152 MWV, along with their faculty-in-charge, gathered on the bridge overlooking the entrance to New Clark City, marking the beginning of their field visit.

Beyond the visuals and experience, I also walked away with meaningful insights and realizations that directly relate to our course, Urban and Metropolitan Governance. But before I get into those, I’d like to briefly introduce BCDA (Bases Conversion and Development Authority), the government corporation behind New Clark City. BCDA is responsible for converting former military bases into progressive economic hubs and is one of the key drivers of the national government’s “Build Better More” infrastructure program. While BCDA manages several areas, our visit focused specifically on New Clark City, which is where my reflections are centered.

Before the actual site tour, we were given an orientation about the institutional zones and developments planned within New Clark City. As I listened to the presentation, I couldn’t help but wonder: If a city is well-planned, does that mean it is perfect? The plans looked impressive, but since the city is still under development, it’s hard to tell just how effective and livable it will be in the future. It raised questions for me, like how we even define or measure an “effective” or “perfect” city.

Students of PA 152 MWV at the BCDA office, listening to a short orientation about the field visit in New Clark City.

From this visit, I gained a deeper understanding of the complexities behind building a city like this. One major lesson is that such a large-scale project requires collaboration from multiple stakeholders to make sure everything is done properly and safely. Another is that there are so many things to consider: the demographics of future residents, urban health, and how to ensure decent living conditions for everyone who will eventually live there.

One of the realizations I had is that while the idea of a planned city is exciting, it also feels a bit daunting. As we moved around the area, I started to wonder—will this place really be livable once it’s complete? The distance between buildings was noticeable, and to me, it didn’t feel very walkable yet. Even by car, it took a while to get from one spot to another. That’s why I questioned whether this city, once fully developed, would truly be accessible and convenient for everyday life.

That said, I also understand that the area is still under construction, and there are likely many facilities and infrastructures that haven’t been built yet. What might feel too spaced out now could change drastically in the coming years. On the positive side, I was impressed by their use of solar-powered streetlights and the presence of open spaces for walking and quiet reflection. These show that sustainability and quality of life are part of the city’s vision.

As for transportation, accessibility is still limited for now. I do hope future plans include efficient transport options and consider how traffic will be managed once the city becomes more populated. Overall, this field visit was a valuable learning experience. It gave me the rare opportunity to witness the early stages of a planned city. Unlike developed areas like BGC, where you can only imagine what it looked like in its early days, here I got to see it firsthand—what it’s like to build something entirely new. It also helped me connect the theories we’ve been studying in PA 152, especially around urban planning and design, to real-world application. It also made me think about issues that may arise in the future: Who is this city really for? Will it be accessible to ordinary Filipinos or only those who can afford a certain lifestyle? And how will the government handle potential issues like informal settlements once people begin to move in?

Despite these questions, I truly hope New Clark City succeeds in its goal of helping decongest Metro Manila and decentralize economic opportunities. If done right, this project could become a major step toward more balanced development across the country and a meaningful legacy for future generations. Now that we’re beginning this so-called “future in progress,” I’m hopeful that things will go according to plan and that we’re taking real steps toward a better, more sustainable future for all.

As part of their field visit to New Clark City, students of PA 152 MWV, together with their faculty-in-charge, toured the Aquatic Center to observe its design and functionality.
Students of PA 152 MWV, along with their faculty-in-charge, had the opportunity to explore the Athletic Stadium at New Clark City.
With the support of BCDA representatives, the students and faculty of PA 152 were given the opportunity to explore the interior of the Athletes' Village in New Clark City. The visit included access to various parts of the facility, including a walkthrough of an actual residential unit, allowing students to observe the layout, amenities, and design considerations intended for athlete comfort and functionality. Beyond its intended purpose, students also learned that the Athletes' Village was repurposed as a quarantine facility during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic—an insightful example of how infrastructure can be adapted in times of crisis. This revelation was new to many and underscored the importance of flexibility and multi-functionality in urban infrastructure.
As the final stop of their field visit, the students and faculty of PA 152-Urban and Metropolitan Governance – had the opportunity to visit the Athletes’ Village in New Clark City. They explored the interior of the facility and were introduced to the various amenities designed to accommodate athletes during national and international sporting events.

Mary Grace V. Hindang is a third-year Bachelor of Public Administration student at the University of the Philippines Diliman, enrolled in PA 152 MWV: Urban and Metropolitan Governance. Her participation in this field activity forms part of the course requirements and stems from her academic interest in understanding the dynamics of planned cities through direct, on-site experience.