Ang Pahayagan

CASIGURAN, Aurora — The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) expressed strong support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to reform the country’s energy sector, following his 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA).

APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV lauded the President’s recognition of the persistent challenges in energy accessibility, affordability, and reliability—particularly in underserved communities. He said APECO is fully aligned with the administration’s push to expand energy access and reduce power costs through clean, renewable solutions.

“As President Marcos Jr. emphasized, over three million Filipino households still lack access to electricity, and many more suffer from high costs and unstable power,” Taway said. “This is not uncommon to the province of Aurora, where families in remote areas continue to live without electricity. Such conditions discourage investors from locating and establishing businesses, despite the existence of an economic zone.”

APECO is responding to this challenge by prioritizing renewable energy (RE) as a key development pillar within its zone in Casiguran, Aurora. With rich untapped resources for solar, wind, and hydro power, Casiguran is being positioned as a strategic contributor to the national target of raising RE’s share to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040.

Among its flagship initiatives is a forthcoming 16.8-megawatt solar power project led by Pacific Impact, which aims to boost energy access and reliability while promoting sustainable industrialization in the region.

“This project not only strengthens APECO’s energy infrastructure but also signals our readiness to become a viable investment destination. As we rebrand the ecozone as the Fishing Capital of the Pacific and the country’s first national defense hub, reliable and clean power becomes even more critical,” Taway added.

APECO believes that renewable energy is more than just a solution—it is a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable growth.

“Power precedes progress,” Taway emphasized. “We are ready to play an essential role in fulfilling the President’s call for a modernized energy sector that truly serves the people and attracts global investors.” (Jason de Asis)