CIAC, USAID grantee forge pact for mega food hub
CLARK FREEPORT - The Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of the Philippines Public Administration Research and Extension Services Foundation (UPPAF) for technical assistance in the establishment of a 64-hectare Clark National Mega Food Hub at the civil aviation complex.
The UPPAF is a beneficiary of a grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for its Regulatory Reform Support Program for National Development (RESPOND) Project, a policy regulatory reform program in the Philippines supporting the promotion of regional development.
CIAC president Arrey Perez said the pioneering mega food hub project in Clark is a "major step in conformity with the priorities under the Marcos administration’s investment and economic policies."
The project is estimated to cost US$152 million via public-private partnership or joint venture mode and expected to be completed in 2028.
Early this year, Malacañang’s Investment and Economic Affairs, headed by Secretary Frederick Go, outlined a list which included food and agriculture as among the key sectors for economic development and priority industries for investments.
“The MOU is our initial move in answer to Secretary Go’s advice to President Marcos, to boost agriculture production, increase post-harvest facilities, improve the food logistical chain which the mega food hub in Clark will soon provide,” Perez said.
The UPPAF was represented by chief of party Dr. Enrico Basilio and joined by USAID’s deputy director Dr. Eric Florimon-Reed during the MOU signing.
Aside from expert advice, the UPPAF will also assist CIAC in the multi-modal transport planning and development in support of the food hub, along with other flagship projects of the CIAC.
“The mega food hub will have cutting-edge facilities at a prime location in proximity to the Clark International Airport (CRK) with cargo, logistics and warehousing capabilities, plus a distinct advantage by having a seamless road network and a nearby seaport in Subic that allows for the viability of a large-scale agriculture resource operation,” Perez said.
“The project’s success will no doubt increase overall agricultural productivity, revitalize our country’s exports sector, and boost the operations of the Clark airport,” he added.
The Clark National Mega Food Hub is expected to provide a comprehensive range of services such as food warehousing, cold storage, processing, marketing and trading for both local and international markets which are all governed by rigorous research and quality control. The other flagship projects of CIAC are the Clark entertainment and events center, the urban renewal and heritage conservation program, the CRK Direct Access Link, the new CIAC headquarters and the site development for the airport’s second runway.