The Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) issued a statement on 23 January 2026 regarding plans to develop a Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) Interfaith Compound in Mariveles, Bataan.

The statement came after Mariveles Mayor AJ Concepcion shared the letter from Our Lady of Fatima Chaplaincy, formally requesting reconsideration on the location of the planned café and museum at the ecumenical area at Barangay Maligaya and Barangay Malaya.

In their letter, the local government acknowledged the aim of AFAB to develop the Freeport Area, but also reiterated the sentiments and opposition of residents and parishioners since the area where the Chapel of Our Lady of Fatima and Methodist Church is sacred.

Concepcion has asked for a dialogue and response between the AFAB and the local government to find a solution that is beneficial to the development of FAB and the faith of the community.

According to AFAB, the redevelopment concept builds on earlier discussions and proposals raised in 2023 regarding the improvement of facilities within the Interfaith Compound, including proposals earlier submitted by the chaplaincy as its existing tenant-user/ including proposals earlier submitted by its existing tenant-user.

“These discussions reflected a shared interest in ensuring that the area remains functional, orderly, and respectful of its diverse users.”

In response, AFAB conducted an internal assessment from late 2023 to 2024 and developed a redevelopment concept that addresses these concerns while preserving the compound’s interfaith character, protecting spaces for worship and reflection, and ensuring that shared facilities remain under clear institutional governance.

The concept covers the rehabilitation and organization of existing and identified structures within the compound, namely a heritage house, a museum with an integrated café,  a view deck, and the rehabilitation of an existing multipurpose hall that has long formed part of the site.

AFAB stated that the café element forms part of the museum component and is intended as a support facility within a managed heritage and visitor environment. “It is not envisioned as a stand-alone or revenue-driven commercial establishment.”

“AFAB recognizes the Interfaith Compound as a place of worship, reflection, and respect. The redevelopment concept is therefore guided by principles of interfaith balance, preservation of existing structures, respect for sacred use, and institutional governance. The scale, operation, access, and boundaries of all components remain subject to safeguards and further alignment.”

To ensure that these safeguards are in place, the AFAB has prepared a draft Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) outlining shared use, access, and management arrangements.

“This draft has been discussed with the compound’s tenant-users as part of ongoing consultations and serves as a working reference for continued alignment. Its intent is to ensure that shared spaces remain non-exclusive while protecting worship areas, privacy, and security.”

The design perspectives currently circulating are conceptual and intended to guide discussion and alignment. The final layout, operating arrangement or implementation shall be established with due consideration to agreed boundaries, safeguards and rules of use.

“AFAB remains committed to continued dialogue and alignment with concerned stakeholders and will provide updates as discussions progress.”

AFAB said it conducted an internal assessment from late 2023 to 2024 and developed a redevelopment concept intended to address the concerns raised while preserving the compound’s interfaith character, protecting spaces for worship and reflection, and ensuring shared facilities remain under clear institutional governance.