Mariveles, Bataan — Newly appointed Chairman and Administrator of the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) Engr. Emmanuel D. Pineda formally took over the reins of the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) in a turnover ceremony held recently at the Bataan Convention Center by The Oriental.

After taking oath in the presence of Bataan Governor Abet S. Garcia, Chairman Pineda accepted the AFAB flag from outgoing Chairman and Administrator Atty. Deogracias G.P. Custodio.

Pineda was recommended to the position by former congressman now Gov. Garcia, architect for the conversion of the then bankrupt Bataan Economic Zone into the now bustling AFAB. Garcia is the national chairman of National Unification Party and a close friend and political leader of President Duterte.

“It is with much honor and humility that I officially and formally accept the chairmanship of the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan. I am humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you’ve bestowed, and mindful of the sacrifices borne by our past administration,” Pineda said.

“I know all of you, who have supported the FAB through the years, will work with us as we move forward to greater challenges, enhanced partnerships and sustained growth in the FAB,” he pointed out.

Upon accepting his new post, Chairman Pineda, who was formerly designated as deputy administrator for operations of the AFAB, vowed to sustain the growth of the FAB and maintain its status as the economic dragon of the country.

“For the next six years, the AFAB will ensure that its programs, new projects and policies will be socially acceptable and will further help in making the freeport operationally viable. Sustaining the financial stability of the freeport and our locators will also become one of our top priorities,” Pineda said.

“The Authority’s top projects will also include the provision of housing for the increasing number of workers and locators n the freeport. Also, the expansion of the FAB will be studied to accommodate more investors and generate more jobs. We will also work hard to make the FAB more accessible by establishing better transportation system and hopefully, by having more ports in the freeport,” he added.

“By 2022, we expect that the investments in the freeport will double, while we see that the number of FAB workers will grow by 50% in the next three years. Now that I am here, I’ll work hard with all of you to realize these goals and action plan,” he said.

Via: http://news.mb.com.ph/2016/11/01/new-afab-chairman-vows-to-sustain-fabs-growth-development/

Mar T. Supnad, Manila Bulletin