Ang Pahayagan

AURORA — Once among the most vocal critics of the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO), several Indigenous Peoples (IP) leaders in Casiguran are now expressing strong support for the agency, citing inclusive reforms and a renewed commitment to meaningful engagement under its current leadership.

During the opening ceremonies of APECO Week 2025 held on July 9, local IP chieftains and community leaders shared their shifting perspectives, crediting APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV for ushering in what many now call “transformative governance.”

Jerome Gonzales, President of the IP Chieftains’ Association under the Casiguran LGU, admitted he was once hesitant to work with APECO. However, the agency’s recent efforts—particularly in assisting IP communities in securing long-pending Certificates of Ancestral Domain Titles (CADTs) —have changed his view.

“If I had doubts before, only 20 percent of it remains. APECO took the lead in helping process our ancestral domain titles,” Gonzales said. “This is a step toward inclusive development, and we look forward to stronger partnerships built on trust and negotiation.”

Former Critics Speak Out

One of the most striking testimonies came from Barangay Dibet Captain Jesus O. Cezar, who openly admitted to participating in anti-APECO rallies when the economic zone was launched nearly two decades ago.

“I was one of APECO’s staunchest critics,” he said. “Today, I’m deeply grateful for the respect and trust being extended to our indigenous communities.”

The turnabout in public sentiment is attributed largely to the leadership of Atty. Taway, who assumed office in October 2023 and implemented sweeping changes to foster dialogue and transparency. These reforms included:

 • The creation of an Indigenous Peoples Desk within APECO;

 • Quarterly consultations with IP communities;

 • Support for CADT processing and documentation;

 • Expansion of livelihood opportunities through the “Bantay Gubat” environmental stewardship program, employing locals to help protect ecological areas within and around the economic zone.

From Protest to Partnership

Regina Eneria, now head of APECO’s IP Desk and an Agta leader herself, once fiercely opposed the agency. “I was one of APECO’s strongest critics because of the lack of consultation in the past,” she recalled. “But dialogue changes everything. Now, I see how APECO is helping—especially in giving our children a better future through education and jobs.”

She emphasized the spiritual and cultural significance of land and seas to the Agta people, saying, “These lands are given by God for everyone, but He also entrusted some to protect and care for them.”

IP Representation and Support

Present at the event were Aurora IP Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Randy Salo and Casiguran IPMR Zyra Dela Cruz, both of whom expressed their support for the agency’s new trajectory and lauded its leadership for championing inclusivity and sustainable progress.

📸APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil Taway IV

PCEO Taway summarized APECO’s new approach: “The Bagong APECO is not just about leadership change—it’s a change in mindset. We listen first, we always consult, and we move forward together.”

This evolving relationship between APECO and the IP communities of Casiguran marks a significant shift from the years of tension and mistrust that once surrounded the project. Today, both sides appear committed to building a shared future rooted in unity, mutual respect, and collective growth. (Jason de Asis)

TOP 📸: Once vocal critics, Indigenous leaders in Casiguran now stand behind APECO’s renewed vision of inclusive development and transformative governance. Through dialogue, ancestral domain recognition, and livelihood support, trust has been rebuilt between APECO and the IP communities. (Ang Pahayagan photo / JASON DE ASIS)