MARIVELES, Bataan — The Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) is strengthening its coordination with labor and employment agencies to expand access to jobs, skills training and livelihood opportunities as economic activity in the Freeport continues to grow.
AFAB, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Public Employment Service Office (PESO) and other government agencies met on Sept. 29, 2026 to align programs aimed at addressing the employment and skills needs of workers, students and jobseekers in the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB).
The discussions covered employment, livelihood and workforce development initiatives that could help match workers with opportunities generated by businesses operating in the Freeport.
Among the programs presented were those of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
The agencies also discussed the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES), Government Internship Program (GIP) and Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), which provide various forms of employment and livelihood assistance.
The Kasambahay Program and upcoming PESO Congress were also included in the discussions.
The coordination comes as AFAB continues to position the Freeport as an investment and industrial hub in Central Luzon, with employment generation emerging as an important component of its economic development strategy.
By linking government employment and skills programs with the needs of the Freeport community, agencies can help improve the availability of qualified workers while giving residents greater access to jobs and training.
The partnership also provides a mechanism for government agencies to better respond to changing workforce requirements as businesses expand operations and new investments enter the Freeport.
AFAB said continued collaboration with DOLE, PESO and other government offices is essential in bringing employment, training and livelihood programs closer to workers and students.
The initiative underscores the broader economic role of the Bataan Freeport, where investment activity is being complemented by government efforts to develop a workforce capable of supporting the area’s growing industrial and business base.