CIAC to reveal National Food Hub partner in 2025

The Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) plans to award the National Food Hub project to a private sector partner in 2025, according to its new president and CEO, Joseph Alcazar.

During a year-end media gathering, Alcazar shared that the feasibility study for the project, funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), will be completed by March 2025. 

“Once the study is done, we will move forward with the development and invite investors,” he said.

Alcazar also mentioned that up to three local and foreign groups are exploring opportunities to develop the P8.5 billion National Food Hub. He expressed hope that Congress would pass House Bill 10678, or the Clark National Food Hub Act, to facilitate timely project delivery. 

This bill would secure funding from the national budget and provide additional incentives for investors and businesses.

The National Food Hub is aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s goal of ensuring affordable, accessible food for Filipinos. It aims to become the country’s premier wholesale market and distribution center for high-quality food products and will offer services like food processing, warehousing, trading, and international shipping.

Looking ahead, Alcazar expects 2025 to be a busy year for CIAC as it prepares to launch several flagship projects. 

These include improvements to the Clark Civil Aviation Complex and infrastructure projects such as the P21 billion Clark Entertainment and Events Center and the P1.6 billion National Food Gateway. 

Other ongoing initiatives include the Clark Direct Access Link and the Urban Renewal and Heritage Conservation Program.