CIAC, foundation team up for Clark food hub 

The Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) partnered with the University of the Philippines Public Administration Research and Extension Services Foundation (UPPAF) for technical assistance on the establishment of the Clark National Mega Food Hub inside the civil aviation complex, according to a report by Philippine Information Agency.

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 to support the promotion of regional development.

CIAC President Arrey Perez said the mega food hub project in Clark is anchored on the Marcos administrations priority investment and economic policies  under food and agriculture sector.

“The MOU [memorandum of understanding] is our initial move in answer to [Malacañang’s Investment and Economic Affairs] Secretary [Frederick] 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,” he said.

Under the MOU, the UPPAF will also assist the CIAC in the multi-modal transport planning and development in support of the food hub, along with other flagship projects of the CIAC.

Perez said 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.

It will also have a distinct advantage of having a seamless road network and a nearby seaport in Subic that allows for the viability of a large-scale agriculture resource operation designed to increase overall agricultural productivity, revitalize our country’s exports sector, and boost the operations of the Clark airport.

“This is everything that the food hub stands for, that is why this project is timely and urgent and aligns with the Marcos administration’s thrust of ensuring our country’s food security and sustainability,” Perez cited.

The Clark National Mega Food Hub will be built on 64-hectare land inside the Clark Aviation Complex. Its services will include research and quality control, warehousing, food processing, international shipping, marketing services, and trading for local and foreign markets.

It is estimated to cost US$152 million, which will be funded through public-private partnership or joint venture mode.