Balanga City, Bataan – The Senate has approved the third reading of Senate Bill No. 2799, or the Metro Bataan Development Authority (MBDA) Act.

According to Governor Joet Garcia, the MBDA Act was prepared by Bataan Representatives Abet Garcia, Gila Garcia, and Jett Nisay.

The MBDA was supported by Senator JV Ejercito and Senator Francis Tolentino to fast-track and continue the development of Bataan and the economy of local governments and communities across the province.

Congresswoman Garcia said that the passage of the third reading in the Senate is good news, citing that the hard work of Bataan's representatives has come to fruition.

She added that the support of Ejercito and Tolentino for the MBDA Act is a testament to the legislators' commitment to making Bataan a better community for the Bataeños.

"Ang lahat po ng ating mga pag-aaral at pagsusulong ng mga makabuluhang batas ay para sa ating mga minamahal na Bataeno," (All of our studies and the promotion of meaningful laws are for our beloved Bataeños) she said.

Ejercito shepherded the passage of Senate Bill No. 2799 on the second reading, which aims to make Bataan a center of development through the creation of the MBDA.

The proposed measure seeks to integrate and coordinate efforts while fostering the socio-economic advancement of the region.

Ejercito said the MBDA is poised to usher in a new era of progress and sustainability for Bataan and is expected to generate $8 trillion to $10 trillion worth of trade due to its strategic location and the upcoming construction of the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge.