Ang Pahayagan

AURORA— The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) has officially commenced the construction of six major infrastructure projects worth ₱415.73 million, a move aimed at making the ecozone “investment-ready” and resilient for future growth.

APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV led the groundbreaking ceremony attended by National Electrification Administration (NEA) Administrator Antonio Mariano C. Almeda, local government officials, Indigenous Peoples’ representatives, stakeholders, and residents of Aurora.

“This is not just a groundbreaking ceremony — this is a turning point,” Taway said, noting that the projects are designed to strengthen APECO’s backbone in energy, transport, and tourism.

The projects include the ₱290-million Underground Power Distribution Line (UPDL) Phases 3 & 4, the ₱43-million 4-lane APECO Central Expressway, the ₱42.42-million Spine Road Phase 3 APECO Perimeter Road, the ₱10.28-million Esteves-to-Binaoan Gate Road Expansion, the ₱10-million Coastal Slope Protection with Road Construction (Phases 1 & 2), and the ₱20-million rehabilitation of the JPEC Beachfront Villas, soon to be rebranded as the New APECO Villas.

According to Taway, the energy projects will ensure a reliable, safe, and future-proof power supply for high-value industries, while the road upgrades will improve logistics efficiency and connectivity within the ecozone. The coastal protection works will safeguard the shoreline and enhance climate resilience, and the revival of the APECO Villas will boost tourism revenues in Northern Aurora.

“These projects are more than concrete, steel, and cables. They are the physical proof of Bagong APECO — a modern, inclusive, and sustainable economic zone that works not only for investors but for the people of Aurora,” he said.

Taway also called on other national government agencies to follow NEA’s example by investing in APECO’s infrastructure needs, particularly in energy, road networks, and utilities. He underscored the need for better connectivity between Casiguran and the rest of Luzon to transform the ecozone into a true gateway for trade and tourism.

Drawing on economic models and national data, Taway stressed that provinces with stronger infrastructure, like those in Central Luzon, enjoy faster growth, while eastern provinces such as Aurora remain less developed due to weaker connectivity. “We must invest now so these provinces can also become engines of progress, not just suppliers to the core,” he said.

Addressing the people of Aurora, Taway assured that the projects are for the benefit of farmers, fisherfolk, entrepreneurs, youth, senior citizens, and Indigenous Peoples. “With your trust, the support of LGUs, and the backing of national agencies, we can turn these investments into jobs, higher incomes, and a brighter future for our youth,” he said.

He concluded with a call for unity: “Let’s work together to complete the transformation of APECO. Let us ensure that when Aurora and APECO are mentioned, they are known as a place that is ready, connected, and moving forward.” (Jason de Asis)