| For many years a U.S. military base was stationed in | | | | Special Economic Zone (CSEZ). Business and |
| Clark Air Base, Angeles City, Pampanga. It was the | | | | economy have started to move as first class hotels, |
| largest aircraft base outside the United States. | | | | resorts, golf ranges and casinos are established. The |
| What happened to Angeles City after Mt. Volcano | | | | free port has attracted investments from call centers, |
| eruption and the exit of US Bases is a big feat to | | | | foreign and local companies as well as duty free |
| reckon with. Today, it has become a tourist destination | | | | shops. |
| for those looking for interesting adventure and sports. | | | | Festivals and events have been planned to ensure |
| The U.S. government decided to leave Clark Air Base | | | | influx of tourists to Angeles City.he biggest aviation |
| after the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1992 destroyed | | | | sports gathers balloon pilots from around the world to |
| this base. At the same time too, during that period, the | | | | participate in the colorful Philippine International Hot-Air |
| Americans felt that there was no more sufficient | | | | balloon Fiesta in January to February every year. |
| reason for US bases to stay in the Philippines, as there | | | | CSEZ is also known for other activities akin to flying |
| was no longer a "threat of war" from communist | | | | like parachuting, skydiving and ultra-light flying. A |
| countries. Besides, there was a growing resentment of | | | | parachute training center operates in the Zone and |
| the militant groups from the continuous stay of US | | | | provides students' training as well as advanced training |
| bases in the Philippines | | | | of parachuting and sky diving. |
| Angeles City was completely devastated, both by the | | | | For those thrill seekers and unafraid of heights, the |
| eruption of Mt. Pinatubo and by the closure of | | | | Ultra-light flying of the Angeles City Flying Club will give |
| American base that kept the economy of the city for | | | | the excitement one is looking for. |
| quite sometime. | | | | Trekking or hiking to Mt. Pinatubo is recommended for |
| Responding to the economic situation, the Philippine | | | | sports buff who would like to have an unforgettable |
| government turned Angeles City into a new | | | | experience of seeing this deadly volcano who once |
| framework of structure. Where before, the city was a | | | | claimed lives and properties. Remains of Lahar flows |
| place for bars and nightclubs serving American | | | | could still be seen along the road, some surroundings |
| servicemen, Angeles City, today, come as a newly | | | | are still barren, but life and greens are now starting to |
| refurbished city. | | | | cover the mountains. The summit of Mt. Pinatubo is a |
| Economic planners of the government also | | | | striking view of clear blue waters amid the mountains |
| transformed Clark Air Base into an economic zone in | | | | and its craters. |
| the hope of attracting business and investments in | | | | Angeles takes pride of unique food, sports and |
| Angeles City. The Special Economic Zone set up in | | | | interests. For example, lawn bowling is unique to this |
| Clark provided liberal export and processing laws to | | | | place and in the Philippines. Street dancing to celebrate |
| support development and growth of the industries | | | | a feast is next. |
| within the specified zone or limits. | | | | After the U S base left, Angeles has picked up its |
| Along with the growth of the industries, other service | | | | pieces and turned the place for tourists who look for |
| industries were also encouraged to attract | | | | sports, trekking, thrill, excitement and gaming. |
| investments. Clark Air Base is known today as Clark | | | | |