(Feature Photo Courtesy of CIAC)

The Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) has reaffirmed its commitment to boosting economic development in Central Luzon, particularly within the 2,367-hectare Clark Civil Aviation Complex, under the leadership of CIAC President and CEO, Sir Arrey Perez. During the recent Pampanga Press Club’s News at Hues Media Forum held at Park Inn by Radisson Clark, Perez provided significant updates on seven flagship projects designed to solidify Clark’s position as a critical hub for national and regional progress.

Clark National Food Hub: Revolutionizing Agriculture and Food Distribution

Among the most ambitious projects is the Clark National Food Hub, a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative modeled after successful facilities like those in Amsterdam. The food hub is envisioned as a centralized facility that will streamline the aggregation, storage, distribution, and marketing of agricultural produce, particularly fresh food, across local and regional markets.

Key features of the food hub include state-of-the-art warehousing and cold storage facilities that aim to extend the shelf life of agricultural products. The hub will eliminate middlemen by allowing cooperatives to directly market their produce to buyers, potentially boosting the export of local products and enhancing their value through improved packaging.

Moreover, the hub will serve as a support zone with stringent quality control measures to ensure food safety and cleanliness. It will also offer capacity-building initiatives in food production, including educational programs for students to instill the idea of food security at a tender young age. A market information system will be developed to assist farmers in tracking local and international price trends, enabling more strategic agricultural production.

The food hub project has made substantial progress, with CIAC recently signing advisory services agreements and partnering with Maharlika Investment Corp. The project has also gained legislative support, with House Bill 10678, also known as the Clark National Food Aggregation and Distribution Hub Act, securing approval in Congress and awaiting Senate endorsement. Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has expressed full support for this transformative initiative.

Convention and Events Hub

In a bid to attract international and global artists and boost the local economy, CIAC is preparing to launch a Convention and Events Hub through another PPP. This estimated ₱32 billion project has already attracted interest from several potential investors. The hub aims to position Clark as a premier destination for global events, further enhancing its economic impact on the region. Events such as Taylor Swift concerts were only made a sample during previous conferences, that was made sensational by dissenters who cared not to see the whole picture, to have a concrete and relevant scenario on how big events spur the economy by bringing international big spenders to a community

Urban Renewal & Heritage Conservation Program

CIAC is also spearheading an Urban Renewal & Heritage Conservation Program to preserve and celebrate the rich history of Clark. A key highlight is a mural depicting the historical account of CIAC and Clark, from its days as a U.S. military base to its resurgence after the Mt. Pinatubo eruption. This mural, created by an international artist, was unveiled just before the MICECON 2024 event. CIAC plans to involve local artists in future projects, including streetlight installations, with funding provided by the corporation.

In addition, the Dolores Riverpark project is underway, designed to harvest rain and stormwater to meet the future water needs of Clark’s parks.

Aviation Plans and Traffic Management: Addressing Future Demands

Recognizing the looming demand in the aviation industry, CIAC has outlined comprehensive Aviation Plans to ensure that Clark International Airport (CRK) meets global standards. Among these is a ₱12 billion project for the construction of a second runway, which will significantly boost CRK’s capacity and operational efficiency.

To complement these efforts, CIAC is developing a Traffic Management Plan aimed at improving the quality of life in the region as congestion is anticipated in every development. This plan includes strategies to manage the anticipated increase in employment and population as a result of these developments.

Ensuring Sustainable Growth

The developments spearheaded by CIAC under Sir Arrey Perez’s leadership are poised to transform Clark into a central hub for economic activity, both within Luzon and beyond. As these projects progress, they promise to bring significant benefits to the region, from improved infrastructure and connectivity to enhanced food security and economic opportunities.