NEW CLARK CITY (PIA) -- The first phase of National Seed Technology Park (NSTP) at New Clark City (NCC) in Capas, Tarlac is expected to be completed in eight months.  

Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) Senior Vice President Arrey Perez said this would be the first to rise on the 50-hectare Agro-Industrial Business Corridor.

“We plan to start Phase 1 immediately this year. We already started the procurement so once we award that this year, the construction will be completed in less than a year. This is an expertise of BCDA as we’ve seen in our other projects. For the Southeast Asian Games, we have constructed 11 buildings in 18 months,” Perez stated. 

Phase 1 of NSTP includes two administration buildings, seed laboratory, incubation hubs, a machinery shed, soil and water chemistry laboratory and other support facilities. 

Meanwhile, Phase 2 will be dedicated to agribusiness development such as downstream and upstream linkages in the agricultural value chains. 

Perez highlighted that agriculture sustainability is high on NCC’s priority list to help the economy bounce back better. 

“Today, we plant the seeds for the future, so Filipinos may finally realize the vision of making the country agriculturally sustainable and resilient. The establishment of NSTP is important more than ever with agriculture being a major driver for the Philippine economy’s recovery from the pandemic,” he stressed. 

For his part, Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Director Crispulo Bautista Jr. backed NSTP as a catalyst in improving the agriculture sector in Central Luzon. 

“We will make sure to provide good quality services to our farmers to help them yield high production, and increase their income. So, I am enjoining you to support this project for the benefit of our farmers,” Bautista added. 

BCDA and DA’s launching of NSTP include unveiling of the project billboard and the ceremonial distribution of seeds to Central Luzon farmers.  

Also, about 500 Philippine Indigenous fruit trees were planted during the event as part of DA’s Seeds for the Future Campaign which is anchored on the concept of “creating an industry for every commodity.” 

Seeds for Future campaign aims to encourage strong partnerships among public and private organizations and with the local communities that would lead to the production, promotion, and availability of quality seed stock both for farming and commercial plantation. (CLJD/TJBM-PIA 3)