P3.6-B agri hub to rise in Clark

The Food Terminal, Inc. (FTI) has signed a P3.6-billion agreement with Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) to develop a large-scale food logistics and trading complex in Pampanga. 

FTI said Monday that the plan is expected to boost food security and improve market access for farmers.

Under the memorandum of agreement, FTI will establish the Bagsakan ng Bayan Mega Food Hub (BBM Food Hub)on a 46-hectare property in Clark, Pampanga, which will serve as the main food aggregation and distribution center for Northern Luzon.

FTI will lease the Clark property from CIAC for 25 years.

“This is one of several mega food hubs the DA will develop to ensure stable markets and long-term food security,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said during the signing ceremony.

“It supports the vision of giving farmers and fisherfolk fair access to markets through strategically located food terminals.”

The project, designed as an integrated agri-food complex, will house wholesale trading, food storage and processing facilities, logistics services, and agri-tourism features.

It will also include a Halal-certified zone and dedicated spaces for One Town, One Product enterprises.

FTI President Joseph Lo said the initiative revives the agency’s original mandate to support farmers by improving market systems and reducing supply chain inefficiencies.

“The hub will encourage producers and entrepreneurs, ensure fair farm-gate prices, lower food costs, reduce post-harvest losses, create jobs, and stabilize supply,” Lo said.

Construction will begin early next year on an initial 10-hectare area inside Clark. 

The partnership is part of the planned network expansion of regional food hubs, with a second 40-hectare facility set to rise in Bukidnon for Mindanao and a third 30-hectare hub planned in Quezon province to supply Southern Luzon and Bicol regions.