Bataan gains ground

A major economic push for the province advanced this week after two key measures authored by Bataan 2nd District Representative Abet Garcia were approved at the committee level in the House of Representatives.

House Bill No. 1108, or the Special Defense Economic Zone Act, seeks to establish a dedicated defense-focused economic zone aimed at attracting investments in defense manufacturing, logistics, advanced technology, and strategic industries. Garcia said the proposed measure aligns with the country’s modernization efforts and is designed to position Bataan as a hub for high-value, security-related industries while generating quality employment for local residents.

Meanwhile, House Bill No. 1109 proposes to further strengthen the powers and functions of the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) by amending Republic Act No. 9728, also known as the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) Act of 2009. The measure aims to enhance AFAB’s regulatory authority, streamline investment processes, and expand incentives to make the Freeport more competitive in the global market.

Established in 2009, the Freeport Area of Bataan transformed the former Bataan Export Processing Zone into a thriving investment center in Mariveles. Over the years, it has generated thousands of jobs and attracted billions of pesos in investments across manufacturing, information technology, and logistics sectors. Lawmakers believe that strengthening AFAB’s mandate will accelerate economic activity and unlock new growth opportunities in the province.

Garcia expressed gratitude to his fellow principal authors, Representatives Gila Garcia of Bataan 3rd District and Pusong Pinoy Partylist’s Jett Nisay, as well as to other members of Congress who supported the measures during committee deliberations.

He emphasized that the proposals are part of a broader development agenda focused on expanding jobs, strengthening the local economy, and securing long-term opportunities for Bataan residents.

With both bills clearing the committee stage, the measures now move closer to plenary deliberation—marking what provincial leaders describe as a decisive step toward solidifying Bataan’s role as a strategic economic and industrial gateway in Central Luzon.