FSO Cadets Visit Bataan and Clark Ecozones

Participants and AFAB Personnel during the briefing on the mandate and operations of the Freeport Area of Bataan. 

MANILA 16 October 2024 – Participants of the Foreign Service Officers Cadetship Course (FSOCC) Batch XXX of the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) underwent a two-day study tour at the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB), Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone, and the Clark International Airport from 3 to 4 October 2024 as part of their Program on National Economic Development. This exposure to economic zones allowed participants to observe the country’s investment opportunities.

AFAB Deputy Administrator Ma. Lourdes Herrera welcomed the FSI delegation led by Director General Francisco Noel R. Fernandez III and briefed them on the mandate and operations of the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB). The engagement was followed by a tour of three manufacturing companies where participants interacted with managers and production workers.

Participants visited the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone in Pampanga. Clark’s priority areas in business and tourism were highlighted during the briefing. There was also a rolling tour around the economic zone to visit tourism destinations and historical sites.

At the Clark International Airport, participants were briefed by  Ms. Genefer Tan, Marketing Manager of Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC), and Airport Duty Manager Patrick Garcia on the aerotropolis’ investment agenda. The participants were granted access to the new terminals which featured modern and sustainable architecture.

The Program on National Economic Development is a module under FSOCC which aims to provide an overview of the Philippine economic landscape, its policy instruments, priorities, and investment opportunities. As mandated by Republic Act No. 7157, all newly appointed Foreign Service Officers of the Department of Foreign Affairs go through FSOCC prior to their initial deployment overseas. END

A manufacturing production floor manager shows the participants a process in the manufacturing of utility boots in the factory.

Clark Development Corporation Tourism Officer briefs participants on Clark’s priority areas.

Clark International Airport Duty Manager Patrick Garcia briefs participants.

Participants at the Clark International Airport featuring sustainable architecture.