CIAC Announces Completion Timeline for Phase 1 of PHP8.5 Billion National Food Hub at Clark

MANDALUYONG CITY – The Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) has outlined the completion timeline for the first phase of the ambitious PHP8.5-billion National Food Hub, expected by the end of 2027, at the Clark Airport Complex.

According to Philippines News Agency, speaking at the signing ceremony for technical advisory services with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center, Phase 1 will include the construction of cold storage facilities and administrative offices. The event, which took place at the ADB’s headquarters on Friday, marks a significant step in securing expert guidance for the project’s planning and execution phases.

The ADB’s involvement will provide market-facing transaction advisory services and technical assistance, crucial for the preparation of pre-tender documents, securing necessary approvals, and managing the tender process, which is set to begin next year. Additionally, the ADB will monitor the project for two years following its initiation.

Perez detailed the project’s structuring under the PPP model, which encompasses design, build, finance, operations, and maintenance aspects. He noted that the project might be handled by a single investor or split between different parties for construction and operation. The target for signing the project concession agreement is set for January 2026.

The National Food Hub, spanning 62 hectares, aims to serve as a comprehensive agro-logistics center enhancing food safety standards and supporting local agricultural producers. Located to serve the Clark Freeport Zone, New Clark City, Metro Manila, and surrounding regions, the hub plans to emulate advanced food distribution systems found in other Asian countries.

“Phase 2, I would say it would take another five years so that everything will be completed by 2032,” Perez added, indicating that the subsequent phase would include establishing packaging and processing facilities to further support the national government’s food security initiatives.

The project has already received significant backing earlier this year with a USD450,000 funding support from the Project Development and Monitoring Facility managed by the PPP Center, underscoring the strategic importance of the National Food Hub in bolstering the Philippines’ food distribution and safety infrastructure.