Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP-Laban) senatorial candidate Raul Lambino wants to establish a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) within the Fort Magsaysay Military Reservation to attract private investment in the local production of high-tech defense equipment and essential 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 said in a statement.

“Our proposal aligns with the newly enacted Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Law, which seeks to enhance the Philippines’ capacity for local defense production,” Lambino said.

Passed by Congress in October last year, Republic Act (RA) No.12024 strengthens 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.

Covering approximately 35,000 hectares, Fort Magsaysay is the country’s largest military reservation and serves as the AFP’s primary training ground. It is located in Nueva Ecija, spanning Palayan City and the municipalities of Laur and Santa Rosa.

While the Philippines already manufactures small arms, patrol boats, and basic tactical gear, it still heavily relies on foreign suppliers for advanced weaponry and technology.