The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) are planning to put up an Agro-Industrial Hub in New Clark City aimed to support farming communities, and strengthen food security in Luzon.
On July 1, Secretary William Dar sent a contingent from the DA headed by Undersecretary Cheryl Marie Caballero to inspect an initial 30-hectare site in New Clark City allocated by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA). Also present was BCDA Vice President for Business Development Arrey Perez.
According to the DA, the project complements the agency’s rebooting strategy amidst the pandemic through the development of Agro-industrial Business Corridors (ABCs) for food security and livelihood.
Caballero noted that New Clark City has a “strategic” location and is easily accessible from both North and South Luzon.
The New Clark City Agro-Industrial Hub seeks to integrate small-scale farmers, and provide access to production resources such as technology, capital, and value-enhancing facilities.
BCDA President and CEO Vince Dizon said the project is part of the government’s efforts to provide assistance to farmers and entrepreneurs, create more jobs, and spread development in the countryside.
“This hub will not only enhance the productivity of our farmers, but will also boost economic activity in the region. Improved connectivity infrastructure and the other planned developments in New Clark City make it the best location for this project, and we plan to have this agro-industrial hub started by next year,” Dizon said.
The project will house agri-business hubs and multi-purpose facilities that will be key to managing and integrating the food supply chain, as well as introducing innovative agricultural technology to farmers. First to be put up will be the National Seed Technology Park (NSTP).
The New Clark City Agro-Industrial Hub will also complement the planned Clark Fresh Food Market in the Clark Civil Aviation Complex, which aims to integrate post-harvest facilities and target niche markets for organic produce, halal-certified goods, and premium quality food products.