Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. and Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon have committed to accelerating the development of a modern food hub on a 47-hectare property owned by the Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC), with an initial 12-hectare phase expected to cost around P2 billion.
The project aims to centralize the storage, processing, and distribution of agricultural products, offering more efficient market access for farmers and boosting the country’s food logistics. During a recent inspection, Sec. Tiu Laurel acknowledged access challenges to the site but said the initial development can proceed within current budget constraints. The hub is projected to be operational within 18 months from the start of construction.
Sec. Dizon, who also chairs CIAC, described the project as a “game-changer” due to Clark’s strategic location, close to Subic Seaport, the Subic-Clark Expressway, and Clark International Airport. He also confirmed the original hub concept was pitched by French firm Semmaris, operator of Rungis International Market in Paris, but was delayed after a local partner withdrew over relocation cost concerns.
The Department of Agriculture is also eyeing additional food hubs nationwide to enhance food security, stabilize prices, and improve farmer incomes, while encouraging investment and job creation in the agriculture value chain.