Former Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) administrator Raul Lambino proposed establishing a special economic zone (SEZ) within the Fort Magsaysay Military Reservation to attract private investment in local production of high-tech defense equipment and supplies for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
“The government can designate a portion of Fort Magsaysay as a special economic zone to encourage companies to manufacture night-vision devices, electronic warfare systems, and unmanned aerial vehicles, among others, for military and law enforcement use,” Lambino, a senatorial candidate, said in a statement.
Lambino’s proposal coincided with the 128th anniversary of the Philippine Army, which he noted traces its roots to March 22, 1897, during the Tejeros Convention.
“Our proposal aligns with the recently enacted Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Law, which seeks to enhance the Philippines’ capacity for local defense production,” Lambino said.
Republic Act No. 12024, passed by Congress in October 2024, aims to strengthen the Philippine defense industry by promoting local manufacturing of advanced weaponry and equipment through technology transfer, private sector partnerships and investment incentives.
“At present, we import most of our defense supplies. By producing them here at home, we can generate thousands of jobs for Filipinos, boost demand for local raw materials, and reduce foreign exchange outflows spent on imports,” Lambino said.