Photo by: Clark Development Corporation
CLARK FREEPORT — Investments in roads, airports and other physical infrastructure must be matched by investments in education and workforce development to sustain economic growth, Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera said.
Devanadera made the statement during the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and Saint Louis University (SLU) on August 26, underscoring the importance of developing a skilled and industry-ready workforce as Clark continues to expand as a major investment and employment hub.
“The hard infrastructure will become meaningless unless we have the soft infrastructure, which is education, partnership with people, and investment in human capital,” Devanadera said.
Photo by: Clark Development Corporation
The CDC chief noted that Clark currently hosts 1,285 locator companies, supports 151,593 workers, and has generated ₱372 billion in actual investments, highlighting the growing demand for qualified talent capable of supporting the Freeport’s expanding business and industrial activities.
Devanadera said CDC’s Town and Gown Program was established to strengthen collaboration between the academe and industry by giving students opportunities for workplace exposure while allowing companies to take part in developing future talent.
Since 2024, the program has deployed 681 student interns through participating organizations, providing young Filipinos with practical experience and exposure to actual workplace environments.
She also emphasized the strategic role of higher education institutions in Northern Luzon in strengthening regional competitiveness, particularly as Clark plays a key role in the development of the Luzon Economic Corridor.
For Devanadera, infrastructure development must go hand in hand with human capital development to ensure that investments create sustainable economic opportunities.
“As we see development in our country, North Luzon is very vital to the economic development of the country,” she said.
The CDC-SLU partnership forms part of the corporation’s continuing efforts to strengthen academe-industry collaboration, improve workforce readiness and ensure that Clark’s economic expansion translates into meaningful opportunities for Filipino students and workers.
As Clark continues to attract investments and generate employment, CDC said developing the people who will drive and sustain these industries remains as important as building the physical infrastructure that supports economic activity.