CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, PAMPANGA — Clark is not just building infrastructure. It's building people. On October 20, the Clark Development Corporation and the University of the Philippines Diliman officially expanded their academic partnership to provide employee scholarships and student internships — a move that promises to elevate the skills, credentials, and career opportunities of workers and students alike. And the numbers behind it? They're impressive.
The Scholarship Collaboration: SCWELA
The Scholarship Collaboration for Workers Engaging in Learning Advancement is designed to help CDC employees pursue higher education without putting their careers on hold. UP Diliman is CDC's third SCWELA partner, alongside City College of Angeles and Pampanga State University, with qualified regular CDC employees now able to pursue master's degrees at the UP Diliman Extension Programs in Pampanga and Olongapo. Launched in 2025, SCWELA has already supported 40 CDC employees — 24 in undergraduate and 16 in graduate studies. This is more than a scholarship program; it's an investment in the people who keep Clark running and a clear signal that CDC values continuous learning and professional growth. The program reflects CDC's commitment to nurturing a highly skilled, future-ready workforce capable of meeting the evolving demands of the freeport's growing industries.
The Town and Gown Program: Internships
CDC's partnership with UP Diliman doesn't stop at scholarships. It also opens doors for students through the Town and Gown Program, with UP Diliman becoming CDC's 30th academic partner under the initiative. Internships range from 300 to 600 hours, with fields of exposure including engineering, manufacturing, semiconductor, tourism, and psychology. Since 2024, the Town and Gown Program has partnered with 30 institutions and placed 704 interns, giving students real-world experience in some of Clark's most dynamic industries. Partnerships like this are what separate a growing freeport from a thriving one: for CDC employees, the chance to earn advanced degrees while keeping their jobs and income; for students, the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in industries shaping the future; and for Clark, a more skilled, more competitive, and more future-ready workforce. This is what nation-building looks like in practice. It's not just about attracting investors—it's about developing the talent that makes investment possible.
