Clark Freeport’s growth story gained another boost after property developer Berthaphil, Inc. expanded its footprint in the economic zone, a move seen to reinforce investor confidence and create additional capacity for future business locators.
The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and Berthaphil signed a supplemental lease agreement on June 23 covering an additional 4.1 hectares, extending a partnership that has played a significant role in Clark’s transformation from a former military base into one of the country’s leading investment hubs.
The expansion highlights the sustained demand for industrial and commercial space within Clark, particularly as businesses seek locations with established infrastructure, efficient logistics links, and proximity to key growth corridors.
Berthaphil is among Clark’s largest private-sector stakeholders. The company currently operates eight business parks across the Freeport, hosts more than 300 locators, and supports over 20,000 jobs, making it a major contributor to economic activity in the zone.
CDC President and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera described the agreement as another milestone in Clark’s development, noting that Berthaphil was among the pioneering investors that helped lay the foundation for the Freeport’s rise as a center for trade, industry, and innovation.
The additional area is expected to accommodate future investments, attract new enterprises, and generate more employment opportunities. The expansion also comes as Clark seeks to capitalize on opportunities arising from the Luzon Economic Corridor initiative and emerging projects such as Pax Silica, which aim to strengthen the region’s role in advanced industries and global supply chains.
For Berthaphil, the move reflects confidence in Clark’s long-term prospects. Company officials highlighted their decades-long commitment to the Freeport, dating back to the rebuilding period following the Mt. Pinatubo eruption.
Beyond the additional land area, the agreement signals a broader trend. Existing investors are not only staying in Clark but expanding, a key indicator that the Freeport continues to offer a compelling value proposition amid intensifying competition for investments across the region.
