Ang Pahayagan

AURORA-The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) is eyeing strategic partnerships with Spanish firms IDOM Consulting, Engineering, Architecture S.A.U. and Fira Barcelona after a successful investment mission to Spain from September 29 to October 3, 2025.

APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV said discussions with IDOM Director for Logistics and Operations Jaume Mas Vilella focused on the development of a food and cold chain logistics hub, as well as port infrastructure within the ecozone in Casiguran, Aurora.

“IDOM’s expertise in large-scale infrastructure will help strengthen the ecozone’s logistics and agri-industrial capabilities,” said Taway. “It complements the agricultural and fisheries-based economic activities in Casiguran, giving our farmers and fisherfolk direct and closer access to markets.”

APECO is proposing a feasibility study with IDOM for a five- to ten-hectare food and logistics hub inspired by Mercabarna, a 100-hectare wholesale and logistics complex developed by the city government of Barcelona. The project aims to enhance agricultural production, promote value-adding industries, and strengthen the food supply chain in line with APECO’s food security thrust.

Taway also shared that IDOM expressed interest in helping design port facilities and cold chain logistics systems in Casiguran, while also supporting access to investment-ready projects in collaboration with partners such as the Asian Development Bank.

📸 APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV and IDOM Director for Logistics and Operations Jaume Mas Vilella (5th and 6th from left)

“IDOM’s proposal aligns with our goal to make Casiguran the Fishing Capital of the Pacific and to boost agricultural output while promoting value-adding activities for Aurora’s agri-based industries,” he said. “This partnership can help us build the infrastructure backbone that supports food security, investment, and job creation.”

Aside from IDOM, APECO also met with Fira Barcelona International CEO Ricard Zapatero to explore potential collaboration on developing a world-class convention center within the ecozone. Fira Barcelona—majority owned by the Catalonia regional government and the Barcelona city government—is among Europe’s leading event organizers and manages large-scale premium event centers.

Fira expressed its willingness to assist APECO in conducting a feasibility study for the proposed convention center, recommending the integration of surrounding commercial and smart-city developments to ensure long-term sustainability.

The initiative supports APECO’s mandate to promote economic growth in Aurora, particularly within the Dinalungan-Casiguran-Dilasag (DiCaDi) corridor, by fostering tourism through meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE).

Taway said a working group will be established to draft the memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and finalize the list of collaborative projects with IDOM and Fira as part of APECO’s ongoing efforts to attract world-class investors and partners.

“Our meetings with Fira Barcelona and IDOM opened concrete opportunities for collaboration that align with APECO’s master development plan,” he added. “These partnerships can help bring world-class infrastructure and investment to Casiguran.”

During its Spain investment mission, APECO met with a total of 11 companies, including IDOM, Fira Barcelona, Amper Group, Geomystra, EM&E, Rafael de Hoz Architects, L35 Architects, GlobalTec, ACCIO, Port de Barcelona, and Mercabarna. (Jason de Asis)

📸 (Seated) Fira Barcelona International CEO Ricard Zapatero and APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV.