Editor in Chief: FRANCIS THEODORE INITORIO

Associate Editor: NOEMI CRUZ Managing Editor: ANNA LIZA MENDOZA

Graphics/Layout Editor/Photographer : FRANCIS ANTHONY EMATAAsscociate Graphics Editor/Photographer: RENZ MALLARI

Editorial Telefax: (047) 935-6046E-mail Address: info@afab.gov.phAddress all correspondence and advertising inquiries to The Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB), Administration Bldg., The Freeport Area of Bataan, Mariveles, Bataan 2106.

Coca-Cola, IBM, Apple. The world considers these marks as superbrands. They lead their own particular markets and their mere branding presence immediately evokes quality and dependability to consumers world-wide. These brands have, at some point, become synonymous to industry standards upon which the rest are measured.

This is the power of branding, a visual peg that is worth a thousand words capable of convincing anybody to subscribe to a particular kind of consciousness or perception. It identifies a product, service or organization; and creates positive expectations or sentiments in the market place. It impacts on the behavior of its stakeholders and customers that may result to simple awareness or, on the extreme end, strong commitment.

Early this year, the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan launched its corporate brand. The dominant wealth ripple motif, the various shades of blue and red make the logo design. These elements, we believe, represent our forward looking and customer-centric approach to attracting and retaining investors. It embodies our goal to provide a conducive business environment to ensure the success of our locators, which will lead to more investments for the Philippines and job opportunities for everyone.

This is our brand and our promise.

Welcome to the FAB – “the Future’s Answer to Business.”

BRANDING THE FAB

Interline Realty Invests Over 150M at the Freeport Area of Bataan

(ON PHOTO: The Cosmopolitan of Mariveles Groundbreaking Ceremony. (From left) Bureau of Customs Collector Elvie Uy, Mayor Jesse Concepcion, Interline’s Business Partner Mr. Ernel Dylim and AFAB Chairman and Administrator Deogracias G. P. Custodio.)

The Interline Realty recently held a groundbreaking cer-emony for its 8,157.11 sq. meter land development project at the Freeport Area of Bataan.The more than 150M investment will bring in a new gasoline station, a number of restaurants, an atrium and a hotel fronting the magnificent view of the FAB coast line. Named as the Cosmopolitan of Mariveles, this port side development will also boast a ferry terminal with promenades open to the FAB denizens.

“This is a welcome development at the FAB for it generates much needed employment opportuni-ties as well as answers the needs of our locators for a good place to hang out and relax after a day’s work,” said Chairman and Administrator Deogracias G.P. Custodio.This development will definitely attract more investors to bring their businesses and stay at the FAB,” said Interline Architect Ricky Solatorio III.

Liberty Insurance Corporation opens its first Bataan branch at the Freeport Area of Bataan.“This is part of our commitment to encourage local enterprises to set up businesses that will provide our locators and the entire Freeport community with services pertinent to business operations such as risk management services. Our locators and the people of Mariveles can now conveniently apply and process insurance requirements with Liberty Insurance Corp. just close at hand,” said AFAB Corporate Affairs Manager Francis Initorio.Josefina M. Salvador, First Vice President and General Manager of Liberty Insurance Corpo-ration, said that Mariveles is a good market because of the Freeport Area of Bataan. Liberty Insurance Corp. FAB Branch Manager Ma. Liza Vasquez expressed her gratitude to Cong. Albert Garcia, AFAB Chairman and Ad-ministrator Deogracias G. P. Custodio, Mariveles Mayor Jesse Concepcion and other local officials of Mariveles for supporting the Liberty Insur-ance Corp.Liberty Insurance Corporation FAB Branch is located at the 2nd floor, AFAB Administration Building, FAB, Mariveles, Bataan with contact number 635-0593.

(ON PHOTO: Ms. Josefina M. Salvador, Liberty Insurance Corp. FVP & Gen. Manager, and Dr. Archie Mercado, Branch Manager of Liberty Insurance Corp. San Fernando during the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.)

Liberty Insurance Corp. Opens at the FAB

A new branch of the popular Chi-nese restaurant chain Hap Chan opens in the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB).“It’s quite exciting. The opening of Hap Chan restaurant here in the FAB shows that we are attracting a lot of investments. The market is here and Hap Chan sees that. The FAB com-munity and the people of Mariveles are offered an additional dining option, authentic Chinese cuisine this time,” said Deputy Administra-tor Patrick Ty of the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB).The FAB has been the investment destination of choice of foreign and local companies. These companies created job opportunities for Ba-taeños while enjoying the superior

incentives that the FAB offers.“There is good investment climate here. Because it is a Freeport, there’s a lot of tax privilege we can enjoy. We also get good support from the local government here and the 2nd District Congressman Albert Garcia ,” said Mr. Samuel Lee, owner of Hap Chan FAB.“We are bringing authentic Chinese Cuisine here at Mariveles. Our cus-tomers will be treated to a wonderful dining experience here at Hap Chan, and the best food,” said Hap Chan Branch Manager and Supervisor Magdalena Illacuna-Uy.

Hap Chan Now Open at the FAB! by: Renz Mallari

by: Francis Anthony Emata

by : Anna Liza Mendoza

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More than 100 families in Sitio Baclain, Brgy. Malaya,Mariveles, Bataan availed of free medical services and medicines in a recent medical mission supported by the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB).“We believe in the CMO’s campaign plan BAYANIHAN. This is part of their work as a branch of the Armed Forces to reach out to our countrymen, and show them that this is the government at work. We, at the AFAB, support advocacies like this which reflect our corporate social responsibility”, said AFAB Chairman and Administrator Deogracias G. P. Custodio.“We came here to build cooperation with the AFAB in our efforts to give assistance to our people. We are especially grateful to AFAB Chair-man Deogracias G. P. Custodio for the support and for sponsoring the medicines that we used in the medical mission”, said 7th CMO Gwapo Battalion Commanding Officer LTC Benito V. Doniego Jr.

A joint effort of the CMO and Brgy. Malaya, the medical mission benefited the residents with free medicines, dental services, and medical services. Residents of Sitio Baclain expressed their gratitude for the free check-up and medicines as their place is remote and medical services are not readily acces-sible.Aside from this medical mission, the AFAB has recently supported activities under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. Among these activities are “Run

for the Ilog Pasig”; Relief donation drive in the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) for the victims of typhoon Sendong as support to the Philip-pine Red Cross; and environmental campaigns such as tree planting and coastal clean-ups.The CMO is also set to conduct youth leadership summit, aware-ness programs, clean-up drives and other activities in partnership with the AFAB.

The Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) joined the City Government of Mariveles in celebrating the 67th Liberation Day traditionally known as the Mariveles Town Fiesta.With the theme “Climate Change ay Mapipigilan kung Mamamayan ay Mapipigil sa Pagsira ng Kalikasan” the month-long celebration started with a Civic Parade which was participated by officials and employees of the Municipal Government of Mariv-eles under the leadership of Mayor Jesse Concepcion. Representatives from national government offices and the AFAB also showed support during the said event. “The Municipality of Mariveles cradles the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB). From it came the natural endowments that make the FAB an emerging business hub. It is but proper for us to observe and join the festivities to show our gratitude and full support to the people who have tirelessly worked to make Mariveles a first class municipality worthy of the accolades it has received over the years,” said AFAB Corporate Affairs Manager Francis Initorio.

AFAB CELEBRATES MARIVELES’ 67TH LIBERATION DAY

by: Noemi Cruz

by: Anna Liza Mendoza

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The Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) has completed a total of P57.3M worth of infrastructure projects in the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB).“The General Appropriations Acts (GAA) allotted P80M for 16 proposed projects in the FAB. But we were able to bid out and award 22 projects for P78.3M in the last quarter of 2011. Early this year, 13 projects amounting to a total of P54.5M, or 70% of the P78.3M, have been completed while the rest are ongoing,” said Engr. Emmanuel Pineda, AFAB Deputy Administrator for Operations. “The Authority strictly follows government procurement procedures in the implementation and completion of these projects,” he added.Engr. Pineda reported that the projects completed using GAA funds include the rehabilitation of Standard Factory Building (SFB) Nos. 3, 4, 8 and 9; asphalt overlay of all roads at Executive Housing Area and portion of Hilltop Drive; metering of main treated water reservoir and 3 water tanks; rehabilitation of 3 Executive Housing units; and repair of 3 comfort rooms in the AFAB Administration Building. He also mentioned that the AFAB was able to program additional projects using internal funds, which include 2 completed projects namely, upgrading of 3X10 MVA power sub-station and completion of power sub-station control house, having a total project cost of P2.8M.The ongoing projects include the repair of piping near the FAB dam’s main gate valve, repair of Post Office building, and construc-tion of new Fire Station building, among others.

Meanwhile, FAB locators have expressed their commendation to the AFAB for its quick implementation of the infrastructure projects. In a letter sent to AFAB, Mr. Premamoor-thy, Vice President of Bahrain Fiberglass Int’l. Co., Ltd. of BFG International wrote, “I would like to convey my sincere thanks to AFAB for a job well done. The quick and quality services you provided us are very valuable.”The AFAB aims to make the FAB a world-class Freeport community with leading edge equipment and facilities. It also envisions being an economic center that uses next generation technologies and practices that will define the new model for the global Freeport.

AFAB COMPLETES P57.3M INFRA PROJECTS

AFAB Labor Center Hosts Consultative Dialogue on Manpower Registration and Recruitment System

The Labor Center of the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) recently conducted a Con-sultative Dialogue on Manpower Registration and Recruitment System.

The dialogue aims to provide companies in the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) management guide-lines and procedures in recruiting competent staff and workers.The Manpower Registration System of the AFAB Labor Center pushes for efficient, effective and compliant recruitment and selection process. To date, the system has more than 11,000 applications or manpower pool wherein workers can be sourced at any given time to immediately answer labor requirements of FAB Locators.

AFAB Holds Disaster Preparedness and Risk Reduction SeminarThe Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB), in cooperation with City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of the City Government of Balanga, recently held a two-day Disaster Prepared-ness and Risk Reduction Seminar for AFAB employees.

The seminar aimed to raise aware-ness on the nature and manage-ment of disasters, risk reduction and build the resiliency of the FAB community.

by: Noemi Cruz

by: Renz Mallari by: Anna Liza Mendoza

AFAB Conducts Gender Sensitivity Seminar for Personnelby: Francis Anthony Emata

In an effort to promote gender equality and women empowerment, the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB), in partnership with the Civil Service Commission (CSC) recently conducted a Gender Sensitivity Seminar for all AFAB personnel.

The AFAB supports Gender and Devel-opment programs of the CSC as part of its commitment to promote and increase awareness of government personnel on the rights of women.

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Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) Chairman and Administrator Deogracias G.P. Custodio signs a Grand Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with TESDA Secretary Joel J. Villanueva to support the implementation of the TESDA Dual Training System (DTS) within the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB).

“The DTS is another manifestation of TESDA’s unwaver-ing commitment to provide direction, relevant programs and standards towards quality technical education and skills devel-opment in the country,” said Chairman Custodio. “The AFAB commits to extend all possible assistance to ensure the success of the DTS,” he added.

The FAB is now host to 65 locators, which include 2 newmanu-facturing enterprises that are set to hire thousands of workers within the year. A number of FAB locators have also expanded operations resulting to further increase in FAB labor require-ments. Through the DTS, FAB locators will be able to imme-diately source qualified and technically proficient workers for their production requirements.

Secretary Villanueva, a supporterof the FAB since its creation in 2009, lauds the AFAB for the accomplishments it has achieved in such a short time.

Signing with Chairman Custodio are SBMA Head Roberto Garcia and CDC OIC General Eduardo Oban, Jr. along with more than 50 companies and 30 public and private technical-vocational institu-tions across Region III. All signatories are endeavored to provide well-coordinated learning experiences and opportunities to ben-efit the Region III workforce.

by: Francis Anthony Emata

The Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) recently celebrated the grand launching of the new Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) Logo.

“The FAB Brand provides the visual representation that will encapsulate what the FAB stands for and seeks to achieve,” said AFAB Chairman and Administrator Deogracias G. P. Cus-todio. “It is to exude universal appeal that will anchor the FAB in the consciousness of its stakeholders, potential investors and the public at large,” he explained.

The FAB’s new logo design, in blue and red color palette, fea-tures a wealth ripple with two interlocking circles at the upper right side of the “FAB” acronym. The new brand also used a typeface that exudes modernity and dynamism.

The new logo design is the product of stakeholders consulta-tion, media campaigns and surveys. Supporting these activities is the Congressman of the 2nd District of Bataan, Honorable Al-bert S. Garcia, known as the Father of the FAB law, who lauds this milestone in the continuous efforts of the FAB to bring the FAB to international and national prominence.

Executives of local and foreign companies expressed their sat-isfaction with the new design.

“It is sort of fresh and the design is good to us”, said Dong-In Group Executive General Manager Park Ki Jung.

John Cartwright, General Manager of C&L Philippines Foot-wear Manufacturing Corp., also gave his approval on the logo.

The grand launching was attended by dignitaries, LGU’s, FAB locators and other stakeholders who were also invited to a dovetailed public concert celebration .

The FAB’s rebranding effort is another step towards achieving the freeport’s vision of being the freeport of choice in the coun-try by 2020, becoming a center of trade, innovation and sustain-able development in Asia.

During the 3rd Quarter of 2011, the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) embarked on a project to determine and design the Corporate Brand of the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB).

As part of the process of determining the FAB Brand, the AFAB consulted its stakeholders and the general public and studied international brands and trends to help generate the FAB logo design that would be most appealing and meaningful to FAB stakeholders, the public and potential investors.

The AFAB launched stakeholders’ consultations and surveys through written forms with tarpaulin an-nouncements and drop boxes distributed throughout Bataan; and online forms distributed through Face-book, the FAB Website, the FAB e-news Bulletins, and email blasts. To ensure full participation, the AFAB also launched a media campaign, making use of newspapers, local radio and cable programs, as well as the website to announce the consultations and survey efforts.

On 12 November 2011, the AFAB concluded its data gathering, consultations and survey efforts. The results revealed that the FAB logo design should encapsulate

A blue and red wealth ripple reflecting the col-ors of the Philippine flag. The ripple connotes the FAB’s international/global appeal while the colors ground it as distinctly Fili-pino.

The FAB identity is represented by a wealth ripple motif. It symbolizes growth and expansion, while the interlocking circles connote trade and partnership.

Its colors are represented by red and blue, reminiscent of national pride. Moreover, the blue color; being associated with business, depicts depth and stability. On the other hand, the color red exudes strength, power and determination.

Combining these elements, the logo reflects a global, progressive, energetic and balanced brand to truly empower FAB as the future’s answer to business.

the following concepts: (1) global; (2) innovative; and (3) world-class. Its general look should have an international flavor but at the same time reflect the Philippine nation.

The consultation and survey findings also empha-sized that most want the AFAB to cultivate the FAB’s image as a globally competitive Freeport with a world-class Freeport community worthy of being the future’s answer to business.

With these in mind, AFAB consultants and graphic artists proceeded to bring the FAB logo into life. From five designs, it was whittled down to two. And eventually, one design stands out. The design brings out the FAB’s global appeal while remain-ing a symbol of pride for the Philippine nation. It reflects the FAB Stakeholders and the general public’s vision of how the FAB Brand should be.

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7th PADYAKAN FESTIVAL at Karagatan Bay View, Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) Mariveles, Bataan.Present to officially start the ceremonial race were Provincial Government Consultant Ms. Angela Garcia, Municipality of Mariveles Mayor Jesse Concepcion and the AFAB Corporate Affairs Group.

“Veterans, heroes of yesterday; MSME’s, heroes of today”

The Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) joins this year’s festivities to commemorate Bataan Day.With a wide array of activities spanning the whole of Bataan, the celebrations - which lasted for more than two weeks - include major events like the Padyakan Festival, Araw ng Kagitingan Float Parade, and the Bataan Trade Fair.

Among the companies in the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) that exhibited their products are: The Bataan Accessories & Garments Producers Cooperative, manufacturer of fashion bags & accessories; and the Medtecs Group of Compa-nies, manufacturer of high quality fabrics.

The Galing Bataan Fair featured Bataan manufactured products such as processed foods, fashion accessories, bags, footwear and other novelty items.

Present during the Opening of the Galing Bataan Trade Fair were: (2nd row, far left) Mariveles Mayor Jesse Concepcion; (first row, from left) Bataan Tourism Chairper-son, Mrs. Vicky Garcia; Los Angeles’ coveted red carpet couturier, Oliver Tolentino; Abucay Mayor Ana Santiago; among other guests.

“This public celebration is our way of saying thank you to everybody who contributed in conceptualizing the FAB

Brand”

The AFAB partnered with Tanduay to bring “Boracay in the City” to the Freeport Area of Bataan, marking the AFAB’s public celebration of the launching of the new FAB Brand.

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