-
Clark International Airport Corp aims to name a private sector partner for its National Food Hub project in 2025
-
The Asian Development Bank will complete the study by March 2025, according to CIAC president and CEO Joseph Alcazar
-
Three local and foreign groups are exploring participation in the P8.5-billion project
-
CIAC is urging the swift passage of House Bill 10678 to secure funding and incentives for the project
-
The hub will host food processing, warehousing, trading, market services, international shipping, and research facilities
Clark International Airport Corp (CIAC) aims to name a private sector partner for its National Food Hub project in 2025, according to newly appointed CIAC president and CEO Joseph Alcazar.
The Asian Development Bank is expected to complete the feasibility study for the P8.5-billion project by March 2025. “After we get that, then we will be full steam ahead for the development and inviting investors because we know that the feasibility study is very important for us to be able to do a proper tender for the Food Hub,” Alcazar said at a media gathering in Pampanga.
Three local and foreign groups have expressed interest in developing the National Food Hub, envisioned as the country’s premier wholesale market and distribution hub for high-value food products.
The facility will include services such as food processing, warehousing, trading, international shipping, and quality control.
Alcazar emphasized the importance of House Bill 10678, or the Clark National Food Hub Act, in supporting the project’s timely implementation. If passed, the bill will allocate funding from the national budget and offer incentives to investors and locators.
The National Food Hub aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s commitment to ensure “affordable and accessible food for all Filipinos,” enhancing the agricultural supply chain and boosting food security.
Aside from the food hub, Alcazar detailed CIAC’s other flagship projects, including the P21-billion Clark Entertainment and Events Center, P1.6-billion National Food Gateway, P1.2-billion Clark Direct Access Link, and the P1.8-billion Urban Renewal and Heritage Conservation Program. Infrastructure upgrades and site improvements are also underway within the Clark Civil Aviation Complex.
“Before the year ends, we should create these foundations and then we proceed with the main-ticket projects. Next year and the following years will be a very, very busy time for CIAC,” he said.
Alcazar expressed optimism and expects the coming year to be “very busy” to begin the groundwork for the government-owned and -controlled corporation’s flagship projects, including CIAC’s new office and logistics hub.
