PRESS RELEASE
INVESTORS’ CONFERENCE FOR THE WESTERN SECTION OF THE RIZAL PARK FLAGSHIP TOURISM ENTERPRISE ZONE (FTEZ)
16 November 2023
The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) conducted the Investors’ Conference for the Development of the Western Section of the Rizal Park Complex Flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone (FTEZ), together with the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC) and the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center of the Philippines, on 16 November, Thursday, at Rizal Park Visitor’s Center.
The Western Section of the Rizal Park Complex is located west of Roxas Boulevard, Manila, with five (5) development site areas hosting tourism activities, such as Kilometer Zero Marker area, Burnham Green, Parade Avenue, Grandstand, and Manila Ocean Park forecourt greens and parking.
Following the approval of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between TIEZA and NPDC early this year, TIEZA invited potential investors to the Investors’ Conference to explore opportunities and ways to invest in the national park.
The investors’ conference intended to assist incoming investors to be familiarized on the western section of the Rizal Park Complex FTEZ, as well as orient them on the expected involvement of the private sector, which includes the design, finance, development, improvement, operation and maintenance of the project while conforming to the theme initially identified in the 2014 Rizal Park Complex Comprehensive Tourism Master Plan and protecting the authenticity and significance of the Cultural Heritage Tourism Zone.
At the outset, NPDC enumerated its role in the development of the project through its Deputy Executive Director, Mr. Jezreel Gaius Apelar. This covers undertaking the development, preservation, and maintenance of the Rizal Park, including the operation of the Rizal Park Complex FTEZ. This development project is expected to be instrumental to the overall development of the park as it will require maintaining its value in the historical record of the country.
The PPP Center Division Chief for Project Development Service, Ms. Kristina Azela Diza, provided a rundown of the Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) which is one of the infrastructure delivery mechanisms in the country. PPP Center has been actively collaborating with TIEZA in developing tourism-related projects, as it aims to employ private sector financing through PPP. It also provides technical assistance in the enhancement of PPP investment environment and developing a viable, inclusive, and sustainable PPP priority infrastructure projects.
Atty. Karen Mae G. Sarinas-Baydo, TIEZA Assistant Chief Operating Officer for the TEZ Management Sector, presented the overview of the Comprehensive Tourism Master Plan of Rizal Park Complex FTEZ, highlighting the key parameters to be considered in the development of the western section which include reconceptualizing key facilities that would resonate the cultural and historical significance of the Rizal Park Complex, introducing various activities that would synergize and complement those of the whole Rizal Park Complex, providing mix attractions to boost tourist visits in the park, and integrating suitable ancillary facilities in the design to help mitigate the flooding in the area. With this proposed PPP project, TIEZA seeks to infuse appropriate investments and develop revenue-generating components within the western section that may become a source of income for TIEZA and NPDC.
Ms. Sunshine Rhina Caunin, the RPCFTEZ project officer, detailed the proposed scope and structure for western section development project, comprising of one-storey concession building at the back of the Quirino Grandstand, one-storey with deck commercial building beside Burnham Green, elevated one-storey with deck commercial building including the development of sidewalk with multi-purpose walkway, play areas and bike lanes along Katigbak and South Roads, and three-storey esplanade building at the southeast area of the western section of the park.
While new proposed developments are in the pipeline for the western section of the park, TIEZA is committed in redeveloping the park with intention to retain its unique environmental and social character, as well as its primacy as a green, open space in mind, such as the Redevelopment of the National Children’s Playground and the refurbishment of existing restrooms.
The western section development project is expected to drive interest of potential investors through PPP under the TIEZA Joint Venture Guidelines. This underscores the vital role of partnering with private sector in developing priority infrastructure projects toward tourism-led economic growth.
The Rizal Park Complex FTEZ is among the five TIEZA-designated FTEZs across the country, other FTEZs include Mt. Samat in Bataan, Corregidor Island in Cavite, San Vicente in Palawan, and Panglao Bay Premiere in Bohol.
Interested investors may contact our TEZ Management Secretariat at 8249-5900 local 724 or e-mail us at tez.secretariat@gmail.com and tez.secretariat@tieza.gov.ph. You may also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tezmgmt and on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/tezmgmt.