New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, once again took the global stage as it served as the venue for the 1st International Conference for New Cities from September 10 to 13, 2024, organized as part of the International Society of City and Regional Planners’ (ISOCARP) 60th World Planning Congress (WPC) Diamond Anniversary Series.
The conference, joined by environmental, urban and regional planners from over 40 countries, presented New Clark City, Tarlac as an inspiring model for regenerating a former military base into a premier greenfield development. This allowed the Philippines to showcase its efforts to build a new city that is smart, green, resilient, and future-ready.
“New Clark City, built on the site of a former military base, is a perfect example of how we can develop cities that are both environmentally sustainable, and I hope, socially inclusive,” said Pietro Elisei, President of ISOCARP.
Organized in partnership with the Provincial Government of Tarlac, the Philippine leg of the Congress highlighted the theme, “Planning for New Regenerative Cities.”
The conference was held to explore challenges and opportunities for planning sustainable, inclusive, and regenerative cities that embed circular economy, carbon-neutral energy supplies and nature-based solutions.
During the four-day event, participants joined keynote lectures from experts, debates and panel discussions, and case study presentations. Participants also took the opportunity to do a case study on New Clark City, Tarlac; Clark Freeport Zone; and neighboring cities, towns and special economic zones through technical tours.
“New Clark City symbolizes our nation’s aspirations for growth, innovation and progress. It embodies the spirit of collaboration and forward thinking that defines our collective vision for the future, for new cities, relocated capital sites, as well as regenerative cities,” said Tarlac Governor Susan A. Yap, who served as the planning champion for the Congress.
Former Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) Chairman Delfin N. Lorenzana, for his part, said the Congress allowed the government to showcase New Clark City, Tarlac “as a benchmarking practice of regenerating a former military base into a vibrant and livable city– a model of comprehensive planning, inclusivity, resilience, and sustainability.”
Founded in 1965, ISOCARP is a member-led global organization with the vision of making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
One of the main activities of ISOCARP is the organization of the annual World Planning Congress, which gathers hundreds of professional planners, policymakers, academics, city leaders, and government and civil society representatives to explore and discuss vital topics in the field of urban and regional planning. This year’s WPC will have two main events, including the 1st International Conference for New Cities in the Philippines, followed by another conference in Sienna, Italy, this October.