The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has signed an agreement with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to transform Clark International Airport (CRK) into one of the country’s premier hubs for industrial, manufacturing, transport, and other services.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the DOTr and BCDA to explore ways to foster market access opportunities and facilitate efficient passenger movement at the CRK.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the agreement is crucial in Central Luzon as it will promote the country’s aviation and aerospace sectors, benefiting passengers and the economy.
“This will foster market access and opportunities in Central Luzon. But more than anything, there will be new economic activities because of the IMT,” Lopez said during the agreement signing.
Joshua Bingcang, BCDA president and chief executive, said this will bring in more manufacturing activity and more transport enterprises linked to Clark International Airport.
“It also means a bigger economic contribution from Clark. Our role at BCDA is to make sure the right infrastructure is in place so the airport can expand, and logistics and transport firms can operate here with ease,” he said.
Under the agreement, the DOTr and BCDA, along with the CRK’s private operator, Luzon International Premiere Airport Development (LIPAD) Corp., will establish a location for the Industrial, Manufacturing, Transport (IMT) business and related services at the airport.
The deal will likewise study and explore the feasibility of implementing incentive programs to attract and establish IMT businesses and related services.
Lopez said the establishment of the IMT will drive and attract tourism and spur economic activity in the region to support President Marcos Jr.’s 2023-2028 Philippine Development Plan (PDP).
