AFAB holds public consultation on port facilities management within Bataan Freeport

To ensure that port operation inside the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) is smooth sailing, the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) held a public consultation at the AFAB Auditorium, Ground Floor, AFAB Administration Building in Mariveles, Bataan on 22 October 2026.

The public consultation focused on the Policy on the Development, Construction, Operations, and Maintenance of Port Facilities within the Bataan Freeport, after the Supreme Court issued a ruling that affirms the agency’s authority to regulate and administer port operations within the FAB and its expansion areas.

The AFAB stated that the Freeport Facilities Department-Infrastructure and Maintenance Division (FFD-IMD) led the consultation, which aimed to discuss the policy and orient stakeholders on the guidelines and procedures for securing permits related to port facilities.

The activity also provided an opportunity for participating enterprises to raise questions and seek clarification on the regulatory requirements.

Through this initiative, AFAB reinforces its regulatory authority over port operations and promotes clear and consistent procedures for the development, construction, operation, and maintenance of port facilities within its jurisdiction.

The Authority continues to coordinate with FAB enterprises to ensure a common understanding of the policy and its implementation. The agency aimed to orient all FAB Registered Enterprises (FREs) on the necessary guidelines for processing permits related to port facilities within the FAB and its expansion areas.

The agency recently took part in the Philippine Ports and Logistics 2026, a leading biennial exhibition for the maritime and supply chain sector in the Philippines, with FAB Enterprise Department Manager Atty. Lawrence K. Pelaez leading the delegation.

Pelaez represented AFAB Administrator and CEO Hussein P. Pangandaman and delivered a talk that highlighted the growing interest in the Freeport following AFAB’s amended charter, which allows businesses across the province to be declared as Freeport Area of Bataan Expansion Areas.

Atty. Pelaez also noted that six port operators are currently opening or expanding their operations within the FAB.