By: Alex Q. Galang
MARIVELES, Bataan — The Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) recently welcomed a delegation from Port of Antwerp-Bruges International (PoABI) for a courtesy visit and discussions on possible collaboration in port development and management.
The visit, held on March 16, 2026, comes as Belgium and the Philippines celebrate the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, underscoring opportunities to strengthen cooperation in maritime and logistics initiatives.
During the meeting, AFAB officials and technical representatives engaged with the PoABI delegation to exchange insights and explore potential areas of partnership. The delegation also toured several port facilities in Bataan Province to learn more about ongoing developments and opportunities within the Freeport Area of Bataan.
The PoABI delegation included Kamiel Schilders, Southeast Asia Regional Coordinator, and Tom De Smedt, Senior Manager and Solutions Lead for Digital Business Analysis.
They were joined by officials from the Embassy of Belgium in Manila, including Ambassador Vladislava Iordanova, Economic and Commercial Counsellor Mia Abela, Consular Officer and Maritime Focal Point Naomi Serrano, and Maritime Focal Point Lisa Nordvik. Also present was Leslie Suntay, Head of Shipping Strategy at Philippine Transmarine Carriers.
Representatives from Freeport Area of Bataan registered enterprises also attended the courtesy call, including Mariveles Harbor Corporation and Bataan Baseco Joint Venture. Herma Shipyard, a locator under BBJV, was likewise present.
According to AFAB, the visit provided an opportunity for both sides to share expertise and explore possible initiatives that could support the continued development of port infrastructure and maritime operations in the Freeport Area of Bataan.