BCDA boosts Clark aviation ecosystem

State-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has partnered with a real estate developer to study the expansion of aviation-related industries in Clark, which is positioning itself as a key gateway alongside Metro Manila.

In a statement on Thursday, the BCDA said it had signed a memorandum of understanding with Berthaphil Inc. to explore growth opportunities within the Clark Aviation Capital in Pampanga, and New Clark City in Tarlac.

Under the partnership, the BCDA and Berthaphil will conduct land-use alignment studies in line with Clark’s master development plan, investor infrastructure requirements and projected investment demand.

“This collaboration builds on that partnership and supports Clark’s growth as a competitive aviation and logistics hub,” said BCDA president and CEO Joshua Bingcang.

Bingcang and Berthaphil president and CEO Peter Herman signed the agreement on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos.

According to the BCDA, expanding aviation businesses in Clark supports the infrastructure, regional development, industrial diversification and modernization thrusts of the Philippine Development Plan.

Berthaphil is an industrial real estate developer focused on export-oriented and technology-driven industries. It has built and managed 11 properties inside the Clark Freeport Zone, covering about 45 hectares and hosting more than 400 companies.

Within Clark’s economic, freeport and airport zones, the firm has constructed and leased more than 250 buildings.

What the deal targets are: the 2,367-hectare Clark Aviation Capital, envisioned as a prime gateway and logistics hub; and the 9,450-hectare New Clark City, which the government is positioning as a major investment center.

Clark Aviation Capital surrounds Clark International Airport, which recorded a 14-percent increase in passenger traffic to 2.75 million in 2025, driven by additional flights and expanding airline operations.

Passenger volumes are expected to rise further in 2026 as airlines complete the transfer of turboprop flights to Clark International Airport, following a government directive aimed at decongesting the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila.