Senatorial candidate and lawyer Raul Lambino has proposed transforming a portion of Fort Magsaysay, the Philippines’ largest military reservation, into a special economic zone to boost local defense production.
Lambino’s plan aims to attract private investment for manufacturing advanced military equipment, including night-vision devices and unmanned aerial vehicles, to enhance self-reliance in defense.
“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 said in a statement.
The proposal aligns with the Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Law, which promotes local defense manufacturing and technology transfer.
Lambino highlighted the potential economic benefits, such as job creation and reduced dependence on imports, noting that the Philippines currently imports most of its advanced weaponry.
Located in Nueva Ecija, Fort Magsaysay serves as a key Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) training ground.
Lambino believes establishing a defense ecozone there could modernize military capabilities while supporting the broader AFP Modernization Program.