SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Bataan Second District Representative Abet S. Garcia is pushing for the creation of a Special Defense Economic Zone within the Government Arsenal Defense Industrial Estate in Camp Gen. Antonio Luna, Limay, Bataan.

During the 2nd Quarter Meeting of the Regional Development Council (RDC) 3 at the DEPDev Regional Office 3 here on 21 May, the solon said Senate Bill No. 2900 (amending HB 7764) aims to promote economic growth and regional security.

The meeting was presided by SCDA co-chairperson Casiano M. Supan, private sector representative for Development Administration.

Garcia told the members of the Sectoral Committee on Development Administration (SCDA) that the proposed Special Defense Economic Zone Act (SpeDEZA) is designed to enhance economic activity and strengthen security in Central Luzon.

The SpeDEZA Bill aims to operationalize the development of the defense industrial complex within the Government Arsenal in Limay, Battan

It is an accompanying legislative measure of RA 12024, the “Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act,” intended to revitalize and strengthen the country’s self-reliant posture program and promote the development of a national defense industry.

The solon also pushed for the enactment of Senate Bill No. 2799 (amending HB 7752) that aims to create the Metro Bataan Development Authority (MBDA).

The MBDA Bill aims to further advance the development of the province of Bataan as well as manage the anticipated in-migration due to the construction of the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge and avoid problems associated with rapid urbanization faced by Metro Manila and other urban growth areas. The BCIB will open an alternate transportation route to the South from the North, bypassing Metro Manila.

Garcia also highlighted the importance of sectoral meetings like the RDC III session in gaining broader support for legislative measures. He expressed optimism that such collaborations would pave the way for inclusive and sustained regional development.