CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — “The Luzon Economic Corridor becomes meaningful only when Pampanga businesses are included in the value chain.”
Thus, declared Clark Development Corp. president and CEO Agnes VST Devanadera before some 150 entrepreneurs and business leaders during the 85th General Membership Meeting of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (PamCham) on Oct. 5 held at the LausGroup Events Centre here.
CDC is seeking greater participation by Pampanga enterprises in the supply chains of Clark locators as investment activity builds around the Luzon Economic Corridor, Devanadera said.
The Clark Freeport Zone hosts 1,295 locators and 151,593 direct jobs, with P372 billion in actual investments, according to CDC figures presented during the meeting. CDC’s agenda with PamCham includes mapping Pampanga’s business capabilities and matching investors with local partners.
Devanadera said Clark’s locators are already organized by sector, providing a starting point for aligning requirements with local suppliers. She noted that foreign companies often evaluate not only the final product but also production processes, requiring compliance with standards covering inputs and methods.
She added that increasing purchases from domestic suppliers could extend Clark’s economic impact beyond the Freeport. “When we buy local, we generate employment outside and growth becomes inclusive.”
The CDC chief also urged businesses to upgrade and upskill to remain competitive. “Even those in the food industry must prepare for more competition,” she said.
“Our advocacy is for Pampanga businesses to identify their niche and be part of the supply chain.” CDC-PR