By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
In a bid to facilitate storage, processing, and distribution of agricultural commodities, the Department of Agriculture (D.A.) and Department of Transportation (DOTr) is looking into the development of a food hub in Clark, Pampanga.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr. and Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon have renewed their backing for this project and have vowed to fast-track its development, which will be erected on land owned by Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC).
Following a recent site inspection with CIAC officials, Secretary Tiu-Laurel confirmed that about 47 hectares have been identified for the food hub, with the development of the initial 12-hectare section of the storage facility set to cost around P2 billion and operations set to begin within 18 months from the start of its construction.
Meanwhile, Secretary Dizon, who also chairs CIAC, described the hub as a potential “game-changer” for Philippine agriculture and food logistics, citing Clark’s strategic location—close to both the Subic Seaport and the Subic-Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), as well as its proximity to the Clark International Airport (CRK).
Dizon also revealed that the food hub concept was originally proposed by Semmaris of France, operator of the busy Rungis International Market near Paris.
However, the initial plan stalled when Semmaris’s local partner withdrew due to high relocation costs associated with the original site, which could have ultimately burdened consumers.
Apart from Clark, the D.A. is also eyeing other locations where they can construct food hubs, which will greatly help in providing efficient access to farmers, traders and other buyers.
In turn, it can help to bolster farm output, stabilize food supply and prices, increase farmers income, and generate jobs and investments across the country.
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