The Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) is set to hold the Gender and Development (GAD) Congress at the AFAB Administration Building in the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB), Mariveles, Bataan on 19 March 2026.

According to AFAB, the GAD Congress will have the theme An Awareness Orientation on Anti-Rape Law and Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act” and will be held as part of the National Women’s Month celebration inside the Bataan Freeport.

Led by AFAB’s GAD Committee, the activity supports the enforcement of Republic Act No. 8353 (The Anti-Rape Law of 1997) and Republic Act No. 9208 (The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003), as expanded by Republic Act No. 11862.

“Through this initiative, the AFAB aims to empower its workforce, stakeholders, and community with a fundamental understanding of these legal frameworks to foster a gender-fair culture and an inclusive workplace protected by proactive and strengthened institutional measures,” the committee stated.

The said GAD Congress aims to invited two representatives from various companies inside the FAB to ensure that the message is reechoed to all employees working inside the Bataan Freeport.

“Should you have further questions, please do not hesitate to communicate with Ms. Michelle U. Canlas at (0946) 6639626 or Ms. Ronalyn B. Esquivel at (0919) 6050661, or through email at gad@afab.gov.ph,” the AFAB stated.

GAD in Bataan focuses on mainstreaming gender equality, protecting women's rights (RA 9262), and fostering inclusive workplaces through authorized codes, training, and 5% budget allocations in local government units (LGUs) and agencies.

The Provincial Population Office facilitates these efforts, with significant initiatives at the provincial and barangay levels.

AFAB strengthens its GAD initiatives to foster a gender-fair, inclusive, and safe workplace, aligning with the Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710). The AFAB GAD focal team promotes, plans, and implements policies, such as the Safe Spaces Act, to protect and empower workers.