Barging operation in Bataan Freeport proposed

 In relation to this, Bataan’s premiere investment hub, the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) is looking for investors for a new cargo port facility that will handle the cost-efficient and faster delivery of goods from the FAB to Manila.

The Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) Chairman and Administrator, Atty. Deogracias Custodio said investors had the option to develop and operate a smaller basic cargo port for barging services for almost P900 million or a bigger port worth P1.54 billion.

“Right now with this present situation in Metro Manila, we cannot rely on the nearby transport systems, we want to have our own port operations to meet the required frequency of our locators. We can even go to as far as the ASEAN countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, etc., via these operations if we did get to have our own barging operations,” Custodio told newsmen.

The barging operations will provide an alternative route that would cut cost and delivery time and it will service more than 70 locators inside FAB and around the Mariveles area, he said.

FAB is only 45 minutes to an hour away from Manila by sea. Among its numerous logistical advantages within Central Luzon and nearby areas includes international airports in Clark Freeport Zone and Subic Bay Freeport Zone and a seaport managed by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

The Freeport boasts of its deep harbor points, deeper than those in Subic or Manila ports, where barging operations can be located.

Custodio said that it would promote and generate more businesses in both sides of Manila Bay and will further expose the Freeport to the strategic areas comprising the West Philippine Sea.

Major investments inside the Freeport includes garments/textile manufacturing while the rest are engaged in the production of bags and rubber products, electronics and other world class products.

Among the largest investors in the FAB are Mitsumi Philippines Inc., Desktop Bags Philippines Inc., Dong-In Entech K-1 Inc., and Dunlop Slazenger Philippines Inc.

The Freeport Area of Bataan, which covers a total land area of 1,742 hectares, offers tax incentives such as up to eight-year income tax holiday and duty-free importation of capital equipment and the only Freeport in the Philippines authorized to sell real property.