Clark Freeport welcomes latest Kadiwa store

The Clark Development Corp. (CDC) hosted the latest “Kadiwa ng Pangulo” market at Mangan Tamu inside the Clark Freeport Zone, part of a broader strategy to pair immediate economic relief with long-term human capital development.

The event featured 16 vendors, farmer cooperatives, and micro-entrepreneurs. The initiative is part of the “Kadiwa ng Pangulo: Buwan-Buwan, Tuwing Sahod!” program, which establishes payday markets on the 15th and 30th of each month to provide workers with affordable fresh produce and pantry staples.

“This is a big help for local vendors and especially for our employees,” said Frances Dimalanta, a nurse at the CDC Health and Sanitation Division, who noted she was able to purchase rice for P20.

Trade analyst Paul Relevo described the program as a “win-win,” noting that it bridges the gap between local sellers and a steady customer base of CDC employees.

The Kadiwa marketplace first launched at the Freeport in December 2025 through a partnership between the CDC, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Labor and Employment.

However, CDC officials stressed that food security is only one pillar of their current workforce agenda.

While the Kadiwa markets address immediate household expenses, the state-owned corporation is also accelerating its Scholarship Collaboration for Workers Engaging in Learning Advancement (SCWELA) program.

Through partnerships with the city of Angeles and Pampanga State University, the program provides a full educational ladder for employees. Offerings range from undergraduate degrees in entrepreneurship to graduate studies in public administration and business management.

CDC president and CEO Agnes VST Devanadera said the educational pathways are essential for the Freeport’s succession planning.

“Your career in CDC will truly take off when you have the right qualifications,” Devanadera told scholars. “All those who choose to study — even after starting their career — speak of a desire to improve and grow.”

The focus on professional growth is reflected in the CDC’s 2025 metrics. Last year, the corporation facilitated 24 in-house training programs for 1,079 employees and supported 217 staff members in attending 124 external seminars and certifications.

Its leadership maintains that linking daily welfare with professional readiness is vital for Clark to remain a globally competitive investment hub.

“CDC’s strongest asset is its people,” Devanadera said. “We will continue investing in their wellbeing — body, mind and future.”