CDC joins President Marcos at UPS Clark Air Hub inauguration

CLARK FREEPORT — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. on October 15 inaugurated the $80‑million United Parcel Service (UPS) Clark International Air Hub at the Clark Civil Aviation Complex, a facility designed to strengthen logistics and create jobs outside Metro Manila.

The 30,000‑square‑meter hub can process 46,000 packages daily, with a maximum capacity of 15,000 per hour. Nearly 600 jobs are expected to be generated, while service expands across 1,100 global trade lanes.

CDC President and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera joined Trade Secretary Maria Cristina Aldeguer – Roque, Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) officials, UPS executives, and private‑sector partners in welcoming the investment.

In his keynote, President Marcos stressed logistics as critical for an archipelagic nation:
“This is the role of logistics. It connects our communities, sustains our businesses, and brings opportunities closer to the people. And, especially, during calamities, the timely delivery of essential supplies becomes even more critical,” he said.

The President cited challenges in the sector, including congested ports, inadequate road networks, and high logistics costs — up to 27 percent against sales, among the highest in Southeast Asia. He said the new hub contributes to improving efficiency, with innovations such as electric ground service vehicles and UPS Premier, a specialized service for healthcare and pharmaceutical shipments requiring sensor‑based tracking and cold‑chain reliability.

Marcos also pointed to Clark’s role in broader infrastructure plans, including the proposed Subic‑Clark‑Manila‑Batangas Railway and the Supply Chain and Logistics Center established by DTI. He emphasized the importance of timely completion of projects:
“When an investor promises a project, it is our job to ensure it opens on schedule. This one certainly did.”

As the country prepares for the effects of Super El Niño, the President underscored logistics in ensuring the timely movement of food and basic commodities to help prevent supply disruptions and ease pressure on prices.

CDC, as estate manager of Clark Freeport Zone, reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining an environment conducive to business and investment, recognizing the potential of major developments such as the UPS hub to generate employment opportunities, support locators, and contribute to the broader economic growth of Central Luzon.