Gov't eyes agro-industrial hub inside New Clark City
MABALACAT CITY -The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) are planning to put up an agro-industrial hub inside the New Clark City.
The project is aimed to support farming communities around the smart city and at the same time strengthen food security in the entire Luzon island.
On July 1, Secretary William Dar sent a contingent from the DA headed by Undersecretary Cheryl Marie Caballero to inspect an initial 30-hectare site in New Clark City allocated by the BCDA.
BCDA Vice President for Business Development Arrey Perez assisted Caballero during the inspection.
The agriculture department said the project complements the agen cy’s rebooting strategy amidst the pandemic by developing Agroindustrial Business Corridors (ABCs) for food security and livelihood.
Caballero noted that New Clark City has a strategic location and is accessible from both North and
South Luzon.
The New Clark City Agro-Industrial Hub seeks to integrate small-scale farmers and provide access to production resources such as technology, capital, and value-enhancing facilities.
BCDA President Vince Dizon said the project is part of the government’s efforts to provide assistance to farmers and entrepreneurs, create more jobs, and spread development in the countryside.
“This hub will not only enhance the productivity of our farmers, but will also boost economic activity in the region. Improved connectivity infrastructure and the other planned developments in New Clark City make it the best location for this project, and we plan to have this agro-industrial hub started by next year,” Dizon sai d.
Agri-business hubs and multi-purpose facilities inside the NCC are seen to integrate the food supply chain, as well as introducing innovative agricultural technology to farmers. The two agencies stated that the first to be put up will be the National Seed Technology Par k ( NSTP) .
The New Clark City Agro-Industrial Hub will also complement the planned Clark Fresh Food Market
in the Clark Civil Aviation Complex, which aims to integrate postharvest facilities and target niche markets for organic produce, halalcertified goods, and premium quality food products.