Clark food hub project to be expedited

The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) collaborated to expedite the development of a food hub in Clark, which is aimed at improving the accessibility of the public to agricultural commodities, as well as their storage and processing.

During the site inspection of a land owned by the Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC), Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said that about 47 hectares will be allocated for the food hub, with a 12-hectare section initially to be developed, which will cost around P2 billion.

He, however, noted that "access to the entire area remains challenging."

"But a 12-hectare section could be sufficient for initial development, considering our current budget and timelines,"he added, noting that the distribution center, although smaller than Thailand’s 50-hectare facility, is a vital foundation for future administrations to expand on.

Meanwhile, Transportation chief Vince Dizon, who also chairs CIAC, said the hub is a potential 'game-changer' for Philippine agriculture and food logistics, as it is close to key areas such as the Subic Seaport, Subic-Clark Expressway, and Clark International Airport.

The DA said in a statement Sunday that the food hub could be operational within 18 months from the start of construction.