The Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) has expressed its support to Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr.’s thrust for national defense and resilience during a luncheon meeting at the Makati Diamond Residences, Bonifacio Global City, on 23 October 2025.

The agency served as a main sponsor and was formally recognized by the organizers.

Atty. Percival B. Peralta, Office of the Administrator Group Head; Mr. Joselito G. Lobrin III, Port Operations Technical Officer; and the Corporate Affairs Department Marketing Unit, represented the AFAB during the luncheon meeting.

The meeting brought together government and business leaders to discuss key defense priorities, including the Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act, the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept, and public-private cooperation on cybersecurity and disaster resilience.

AFAB contributes to national defense through a dual approach: fostering a local defense industry ecosystem and coordinating with national agencies to ensure security within the Freeport.

This includes developing a special defense economic zone, collaborating with the Department of National Defense's Government Arsenal for arms production, and holding joint security and maritime defense exercises with government bodies like the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Coast Guard.

AFAB, the Government Arsenal (GA), and the DND are also working together to develop a defense industry economic zone in Bataan, Philippines. This initiative aims to boost the country's capability to produce arms and other advanced military technologies locally.