THE Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) has secured a grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the University of the Philippines for the establishment of its 64-hectare Clark National Mega Food Hub within Clark Airport Complex.
“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,” Arrey A. Perez, president of the CIAC, said in a media release on Monday.
CIAC said it has forged a memorandum of understanding with the University of the Philippines Public Administration Research and Extension Services Foundation (UPPAF) for technical assistance and advice in CIAC’s 64-hectare Clark mega food hub.
The UPPAF has earlier secured a grant from the USAID for its regulatory reform support program for national development which it described as a policy regulatory reform program in the country.
The mega food hub project is valued at $152 million and is expected to be completed in 2028 via a public-private partnership or through a joint venture.
“The MoU is our initial move… to boost agriculture production, increase post-harvest facilities, improve the food logistical chain which the mega food hub in Clark will soon provide,” Mr. Perez said.
The project is one of the flagship projects being undertaken by CIAC. The mega food hub project is said to provide a “comprehensive range of services” like food warehousing, cold storage, processing, marketing and trading for local and international markets. — Ashley Erika O. Jose
