The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has entered into a strategic partnership with industrial real estate developer Berthaphil Inc. to accelerate the growth of aviation-related industries in the Clark Aviation Capital and New Clark City located in Tarlac. This collaboration was officially sealed through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU), which took place on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The signing ceremony was led by BCDA President Joshua M. Bingcang and Berthaphil President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Herman, marking a significant step forward in regional economic development.
Joint Study to Explore Aviation Opportunities
Under the terms of the MOU, BCDA and Berthaphil will conduct a comprehensive joint study aimed at identifying viable opportunities for aviation-related industries and businesses within the two BCDA-managed economic zones. This study will involve a detailed assessment of several key areas, including land use alignment with Clark's master development plan, the infrastructure and support requirements necessary for potential investors, current investment demand, and possible modes of cooperation between the two entities. The findings from this study are expected to provide a roadmap for future development and investment in the region.
Building on a Trusted Partnership
In a statement, BCDA President Joshua M. Bingcang highlighted the longstanding relationship between BCDA and Berthaphil, noting that Berthaphil has been a trusted partner and a key contributor to the development of the Clark Freeport Zone. "This collaboration builds on that partnership and supports Clark's growth as a competitive aviation and logistics hub," said Bingcang. Established in 1995, Berthaphil is a private industrial estate developer with extensive experience in building and managing industrial parks that cater to export-oriented and technology-driven industries. The company has expressed a strong interest in expanding aviation-related business ecosystems within the Clark Civil Aviation Complex and New Clark City, leveraging its expertise to foster economic growth.
Aligning with National Development Goals
This initiative is closely aligned with the priorities outlined in the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028, which emphasizes infrastructure modernization, industrial diversification, and regional development. By advancing the development of aviation industries in Clark, the partnership reinforces the government's vision of positioning the 2,367-hectare Clark Aviation Capital as the country's premier gateway and logistics hotspot. Additionally, it supports BCDA's mandate to transform the 9,450-hectare New Clark City into a modern, sustainable, and globally competitive investment destination, contributing to broader economic progress in the Philippines.
The partnership between BCDA and Berthaphil represents a forward-looking approach to economic development, combining public and private sector strengths to create a vibrant aviation hub in Tarlac. As the joint study progresses, stakeholders anticipate new investment opportunities and enhanced infrastructure that will benefit the local community and the national economy alike.
