Mayor Concepcion seeks review of café, museum project in Mariveles ecumenical area

Mayor AJ Concepcion has formally requested the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) to reconsider the proposed location of a planned café and museum within the ecumenical area in Barangays Maligaya and Malaya.

The request was contained in a letter shared by the Our Lady of Fatima Chaplaincy, where the mayor acknowledged AFAB’s efforts to promote development in the Freeport Area of Bataan. However, he emphasized the strong opposition and concerns raised by residents and parishioners, citing the spiritual and cultural importance of the area that houses the Chapel of Our Lady of Fatima and the Methodist Church.

Mayor Concepcion stressed that the ecumenical area serves as a sacred space for worship, reflection, and community unity, and should be preserved as such. He pointed out that alternative sites within the Freeport Area are available for the project without compromising the sanctity of the religious grounds.

The mayor also called for dialogue and collaboration between AFAB and the local government to reach a solution that supports development while respecting the beliefs and values of the local community.