Bataan 2nd District Representative Abet Garcia expressed optimism about the recent Senate approval of the Special Defense Economic Zone (SpeDEZ) Act on its second reading. The proposed legislation, co-sponsored by Rep. Abet Garcia in the House of Representatives alongside Rep. Gila Garcia, is a bold step toward enhancing the country’s defense capabilities and stimulating local economic growth.

“This is a game-changer for our country, especially for Bataan,” Rep. Garcia shared. “The SpeDEZ Act aims to establish a special economic zone within the Government Arsenal in Limay, which will house facilities to manufacture firearms, ammunition, and other defense equipment. This will not only strengthen our self-reliance in defense production but will also boost our local economy.”

Rep. Garcia highlighted that the bill, primarily authored and sponsored by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, is designed to attract private investments in key sectors such as defense, advanced technologies, and research and development. A cornerstone of the legislation is the creation of the Special Defense Economic Zone Authority (SpeDEZA), which will oversee the development and operation of the zone.

“The SpeDEZA will ensure efficient management and attract investors—both local and foreign—who will set up businesses and manufacturing plants in this zone. This means more job opportunities for our fellow Bataeños and Filipinos, and a significant boost to our local economy,” Garcia emphasized.

The lawmaker also underscored the national security benefits of the initiative. “This is not just about economic growth; this is about ensuring that we, as Filipinos, can produce what we need to defend our nation. Reducing our dependence on foreign suppliers is a step toward genuine self-reliance,” he added.

The strategic location of the proposed economic zone in Bataan is expected to transform the province into a hub for defense-related industries. “Limay has always been a key part of Bataan’s development, and with this bill, it will play an even bigger role in our nation’s progress,” Rep. Garcia said.

As the SpeDEZ Act moves closer to enactment, with a third and final reading in the Senate on the horizon, Rep. Garcia calls on the public for their continued support. “This legislation is about securing a better future for our country. Let’s rally behind it—not just for the safety and security it guarantees, but also for the economic opportunities it will create for our kababayans,” he concluded.

The SpeDEZ Act aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines and develop a more self-sufficient defense industry. For Rep. Garcia, this legislative milestone symbolizes a shared vision of progress and resilience for the Philippines.

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