CLARK FREEPORT — The Clark Development Corp. and the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc. (SEIPI) are strengthening ties to support export expansion and workforce development in the freeport.
During a meeting with SEIPI led by its president Dan Lachica on June 17, CDC president and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera underscored the value of business interdependence among Clark locators, noting that trading within the zone qualifies as constructive exports, allowing businesses to access incentives while reducing logistics and marketing costs.
“We want to help increase our exports. If you sell from one export enterprise to another within the zone, that’s considered a constructive export, and you can get incentives for that. Additionally, this results in lower costs for your marketing and transportation,” said Devanadera.
The meeting also explored deeper integration through CDC’s Town and Gown Program, which connects freeport locators with academic institutions to address workforce gaps. Devanadera called for enhanced on-the-job training programs and urged partner schools to establish job placement offices to support employment facilitation.
The CDC chief also highlighted ongoing initiatives to expand the local supply chain, promote workers’ health, and develop inclusive programs to sustain industry growth.
“We believe once you’re here in Clark, you’re going to grow. That’s why we’re strengthening after-sales support for our locators,” Devanadera said.
Among those in the meeting were Inari Amertron Inari Amertron senior vice president Choon Sang Chew and people and operations executive Alma Nunag, Enplas Semiconductor Peripherals Inc. managing director Steve Paatan, Advantest Philippines sales and marketing director Larry Liow, and ON Semiconductor SSMP Phils. Corp. – Tarlac director for HR and administration Ruth Paragas.
Joining Devanadera on the part of CDC were VP for business development and Business Enhancement Group Atty. Noelle Mina Meneses, AVP for administration Atty. Bonifacio Tarenio, Jr., and director Atty. Pablo de Borja. CDC-PR
