The Department of Tourism has been accused of allegedly stealing a backdrop from Midway Rising after being seen in a recent presentation for the optimizations they are doing in Clark, Pampanga.
With their recent presentation about their plans, the department is planning to build a stadium large enough to hold major events like Taylor Swift’s concert in the said area. The project is said to be completed by 2028.
A post was made by a user on Facebook and noticed that the same image was used in the slide. The post reads, “It seems that the backdrop is stolen from Midway Rising – a mixed-use development in San Diego California USA by SafdieRabines Architects. Another bad light for the Philippines if proven true.”
This caught a lot of attention online and social media users took to the comments to share their thoughts about the said situation.
Upon receiving backlash, DOT has since issued a statement through their page clarifying the issue and wrote, “The Department of Tourism (DOT) wishes to clarify erroneous information circulating online wrongly attributing to the DOT and Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco the imagery used in the presentation of Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) President Arrey Perez for the Clark Complex in Pampanga. Neither the DOT nor Secretary Frasco were involved in the creation or delivery of the plans made and presented by Mr. Perez.”
They explained that their main objective was to improve connectivity and optimize the current utilization of the Clark International Airport.
“On his own accord, CIAC President Arrey Perez gave a presentation on his future plans for the Clark Complex, including a proposal to construct a facility capable of hosting major events such as concerts,” they further expounded.
The department ended its statement by making all things clear and wrote, “The DOT has requested the CIAC to confirm that neither DOT nor the Secretary have any involvement in their plans and presentation.”
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