The Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of the Philippines Public Administration Research and Extension Services Foundation (UPPAF) for technical assistance and expert advice 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 to support the promotion of regional development.
Arrey Perez, CIAC president, said the pioneering mega food hub project at 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 $152 million via public-private partnership or joint venture mode and expected to be completed in 2028.
“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 was joined by USAID’s deputy director Dr. Eric Florimon-Reed during the MOU signing.
Aside from expert technical advice, 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.
“The mega food hub will have cutting-edge facilities at a prime location in proximity to the Clark International Airport 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.
