DA eyes P2B 12-hectare food hub at Clark

Government officials have identified a 47-hectare property owned by Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) for the planned food hub.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) stated that while access to the entire area remains challenging, a 12-hectare section could be developed initially at a cost of P2 billion and would be operational within 18 months.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon described the project as a potential 'game-changer' for Philippine agriculture due to Clark's strategic location near the Subic Seaport and the Subic-Clark Expressway.

Both Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon expressed hope that with renewed government support, the food hub can move from planning to implementation.

The DA is also exploring other sites nationwide for similar food hubs to boost farm output, stabilize food supply and prices, increase farmers' income, and generate jobs and investments.