The Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) celebrates its 16th anniversary this year, marking a milestone of consistent growth, innovation, and service. Since its establishment in 2009, the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) has transformed from a modest industrial park into one of the country’s leading centers for manufacturing, logistics, and technology-driven investments.

From May 2023 to May 2024, AFAB recorded ₱17.3 billion in committed investments, reflecting renewed investor confidence and the Freeport’s growing competitiveness in the regional economy. Today, the FAB hosts more than 90 locators engaged in diverse industries such as garments, renewable energy, and information technology, further strengthening its position as a key economic driver in Central Luzon.

The Freeport’s continued expansion has also generated robust employment for the province of Bataan and its neighboring areas. As of 2023, the FAB provided jobs to about 40,895 workers, with 93 percent of them being local residents — a testament to its role in promoting inclusive and sustainable development in the region.

Beyond attracting investments, AFAB has emerged as a strong contributor to the national treasury. The agency remitted ₱80 million in dividends to the national government in 2024, followed by a record-high ₱130 million in 2025, earning AFAB the 29th spot among all Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) nationwide. These figures underscore the Freeport’s fiscal strength and its growing impact on national development.

AFAB Administrator and CEO Hussein Pangandaman reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to sustaining the Freeport’s momentum. “Our focus remains on driving inclusive growth through infrastructure expansion, industry support, and community development. We aim to make the Freeport Area of Bataan a model of innovation and sustainability,” Pangandaman said.

Sixteen years since its founding, the Freeport Area of Bataan continues to embody the spirit of shared progress — a place where industries thrive, opportunities grow, and development benefits every Filipino life it touches.

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