Freeport Area of Bataan-The Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) said on Wednesday it has formed strategic partnerships with two South Korean companies to explore potential industrial and manpower development projects in its quest to expand free port operations in the province of Bataan.
AFAB Administrator and CEO Hussein Pangandaman on Tuesday, October 14, signed separate declaration of commitment and support with MSquare Global and the Global Human Resource Development Institute (GHRDI) of South Korea to broaden AFAB’s collaboration with international partners, the agency said in a statement.
The first agreement, signed with MSquare Global chairman Byungho Choi, intends to identify and evaluate potential projects in the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) and expand AFAB collaboration with Korean enterprises exploring business opportunities in the country.
The second, signed with GHRDI president In Sun Choi, pertains to identifying viable opportunities in training, human resource development, and institutional capacity-building under AFAB’s regulatory structure.
Both agreements established frameworks for cooperation that ‘define the intent to begin a structured coordination process, from the exchange of information to the assessment of areas suitable for future development,’ AFAB said.
FAB, which has been named ‘Industrial Zone of the Year-Asia-Pacific’ in the recent fDi Intelligence Global Free Zones Awards 2025, has been gearing for expansion into 17 areas spread across eight towns and one city in the province.
Among these are the Dinalupihan Woodlands Economic Zone, Tipo Valley Innovation Hub, First Abucay Freeport, Bataan New Port City, Lucanin Industrial Estate, Central Top Economic Zone, and GenPower Energy Complex.
Film festival
Meanwhile, 10 original short films, each produced and directed by young film makers in Bataan province, competed in the first FAB Film Festival (FFF) organized by AFAB.
The films, which explored themes in life, identity, and community, were screened and judged at the AFAB Auditorium last Tuesday night, October 14.
Pangandaman, who opened the film premier, said the festival reflects AFAB’s belief that economic zones can be spaces not only for production and enterprise but also for creative expression.
‘The same place that builds and innovates can also tell stories,’ Pangandaman said, underscoring the agency’s goal to build a community where creativity thrives alongside commerce and industry.
The 10 films shown at the FAB festival were: ‘As If We Never Left,’ directed by Marvin Rei Panes and produced by Nostalgia Cartel; ‘Daluyong,’ Erwin Jericho Arceo (Sine Kundiman); ‘Isang Kilo,’ Jeyk Esperanza (Obra Production); ‘Kubli,’ Billy Ray Oyanib (One Man Films); ‘Kwentong Multo,’ Dexter Paul de Jesus (Ciete Cinco Creatives); ‘Maiba Taya,’ Emir Canlas (EC Films); ‘Para sa Paborito Kong Putahe,’ Erika Ann Bautista (Salimpusa Production); ‘Resume,’ Michael Angelo Cervantes (CAMAC Production); ‘Tagahulo,’ Lemmor Miguel Vitug (Cinemmon Films); and ‘Tayo sa Dilim,’ Satoru Ildefonso Corilla (BlueSky Productions).
Acclaimed filmmaker Joel Ferrer (‘Hello World,’ 2013; ‘Elise’, 2019; ‘Kandungan’, 2025), who was among the judges, said he was impressed by the range and energy of the entries.
‘There’s a lot of heart in these films. I hope this festival continues to grow and open more opportunities for young filmmakers,’ he said.
Preparations for the FFF started last August after AFAB partnered with BTN (Bataan Tayo Naman) Association and brainstormed for a platform that would elevate local cinema and promote cultural works that are both entertaining and meaningful.