Bataan Export Processing Zone
The Bataan Export Processing Zone, commonly known as BEPZ, is a special economic zone in Mariveles, Bataan, Philippines. It is the first "free trade zone" in the Philippines established through the enactment of Republic Act No. 5490 by Congress of the Philippines. The economic zone is managed by Bataan Export Processing Zone Authority, a government agency created under the law that established the zone.
BEPZ is located in a cove at the southern tip of the Bataan Peninsula. It is about 172.3 kilometers from Manila via the North Luzon Expressway, Bataan Provincial Expressway, Gapan-Olongapo Road and Roman Highway. It has a total land area of 153.9 km² representing 12% of the total land area of Bataan. Of this, about 35% consist of the pastureland, 4.6% of forestland, 3.8% agricultural lands and the remaining 6% for residential and industrial use. It is home to a Filipino community speaking a Languages of the Philippines called Mariveleño. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 85,779 people in 19,460 households.
Agricultural resources include rice, mangoes, legumes, vegetables and coffee. It also has aquatic resources like round scads, grouper, mussel, and abalone; mineral deposits of granite and basalt and forest products like vines and bamboo.
The tennis balls used in the Wimbledon Grand Slam are made in the Bataan EPZ.[1]
Access
It can also be reached through jet ferry plying the Mariveles to Manila route that has an approximate travel time of 39.7 minutes.
Bataan Export Processing Zone is on Exit 50
Area Coverage
BEPZ covers 8 barangays.
References
External links
- BEPZA Bataan General Information
- Philippine Standard Geographic Code
- 2000 Philippine Census Information
Coordinates: 14°26′N 120°29′E / 14.433°N 120.483°E