October 29, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — The government plans to build two additional large-scale food terminals as part of its broader plan to establish regional agri-food hubs in the country.
This followed the signing by the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday of a memorandum of agreement between its attached agency Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) and the Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) for the development of a P3.6-billion food terminal in Pampanga.
“A second 40-hectare hub will be constructed in Bukidnon to serve Mindanao, while a third 30-hectare hub is planned in Quezon province to handle Southern Luzon and Bicol produce,” the DA said in a statement.
The P3.6-billion facility, dubbed the Bagsakan ng Bayan Mega Food Hub, is seen serving as the main trading and logistics center for Northern Luzon.
The complex will combine wholesale trading, food storage, processing, logistics and agri-tourism components.
It will also include dedicated areas for halal-certified enterprises and One Town, One Product ventures promoting local livelihoods and innovation.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the project was patterned after successful regional models in Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries that use food hubs to drive rural productivity and reduce post-harvest losses.
“This is one of several mega food hubs the DA will develop to ensure stable markets and long-term food security,” he said.
“It supports the vision of President Marcos of giving farmers and fisherfolk fair access to markets through strategically located food terminals.”
FTI will begin developing an initial 10-hectare section of the 46-hectare Clark property early next year.
The complex will operate under a 25-year lease agreement with the CIAC.