Philippines, Taiwan eye Bataan Freeport partnership

The Philippines and Taiwan are eyeing to build a more resilient and prosperous community inside the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) as officials from the EduConnect Southeast Asia Association met with Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) on 27 July 2026.

According to AFAB President and CEO Mohammed Hussein P. Pangandaman, the visit by the EduConnect Southeast Asia Association led by its president Dr. Eing Ming Wu aims to explore potential collaboration adapting the Bayanihan and “Taiwanihan” Initiative.

President Wu discussed opportunities that could align the vision of the Bayanihan Lab Network (BLN) with the FAB's development priorities.

The BLN is a Philippine-based collaboration platform that bridges local government units (LGUs), industries, universities, civil society organizations, and entrepreneurs to promote data-driven innovation and advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Taiwanihan” is a cultural and social term combining the Filipino tradition of bayanihan (communal unity and cooperation) with Taiwan's civic engagement and friendship.

Coined originally to describe cross-border artistic and community exchanges, it represents mutual aid, disaster relief coordination, and cooperative governance partnerships between the Philippines and Taiwan.

“The two initiatives bring together the Filipino spirit of bayanihan and Taiwan's culture of collaborative civic engagement, fostering partnerships and knowledge exchange between the neighboring countries,” Pangandaman said.

He added, “Through this engagement, AFAB continues to explore strategic partnerships that support its mission of building a more resilient and prosperous FAB community.”

The AFAB chief expressed his gratitude to President Wu for his visit to push for the Bayanihan and “Taiwanihan” initiative into the Bataan Freeport. President Wu is a Taiwanese scholar and former visiting professor at the University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP NCPAG).

He is recognized for advancing dialogue on sustainable development and good governance.

He previously served as the resource speaker during AFAB's ARTA Leadership Conference last May, where he delivered the presentation, “The Aesthetics of Transparency Requires Integrity and Neutrality: Building the National Integrity System through Public Genetic Reengineering for Good Governance and Good Life.”