Ang Pahayagan

AURORA — Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) President Atty. Gil Taway delivered a detailed and forward-looking State of APECO Address (SOAA) on Friday, December 12, 2025, outlining significant reforms, infrastructure accomplishments, and the agency’s renewed push toward a long-term industrialization strategy for Aurora Province held at APECO Administration Building, Corporate Campus, Casiguran town.

Addressing local government officials, indigenous peoples (IP) leaders, farmers, fisherfolk, partner agencies, and members of the private sector, Taway underscored a central message: “APECO is still here — and more importantly, it is a New APECO.”

Rebuilding Trust and Institutional Integrity

Taway opened by recognizing the challenges that greeted the agency two years ago, including limited resources, organizational gaps, and the heavy burden of legacy issues. He noted that through collective effort, the agency restored credibility and regained the trust of national agencies, investors, local communities, and the public.

APECO’s improved performance was reaffirmed by positive findings from the Commission on Audit (COA), which Taway cited as evidence of transparent and responsible stewardship of public funds.

Part of what he described as “transformative governance” was rebuilding relationships with stakeholders. The agency institutionalized quarterly consultations with IP chieftains, opened an IP Desk and IP Lounge inside the ecozone, and facilitated the long-delayed processing of Certificates of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT), some of which date back to 2007. The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) has approved the CADTs and is finalizing the release.

APECO also strengthened coordination with the Provincial Government of Aurora and the local governments of Dinalungan, Casiguran, and Dilasag, integrating them into planning activities for the DiCaDi development corridor.

Returning to the Investment Map

Taway emphasized that APECO has reemerged as a viable investment destination. Investor inquiries doubled over the past year, signaling renewed confidence in the ecozone.

A September investment mission to Spain produced concrete outcomes, including ongoing preparations for a Memorandum of Understanding with Fira Barcelona and IDOM for studies on food and cold chain logistics, port development, and the design of a world-class convention and exhibition center aligned with APECO’s tourism and MICE strategy.

APECO also partnered with KADIN Indonesia to host the first APECO Business Forum, mobilizing foreign interest in potential investments.

Infrastructure Recovery and Expansion

Among nine previously abandoned projects worth almost P800 million, four have already been fully completed: Sewage Treatment Plant Phase 1, Central Water Supply and Reservoir Phase 1, the Fire Station, and Fire Protection Equipment acquisition.

Other major facilities — including Underground Electric Power Distribution Lines, the Corporate Office Building, and water supply upgrades — are nearing completion.

Recently completed facilities such as the Motorpool, Materials Recovery Facility, Control Points, Super Health Center, and the refurbished APECO Villas and Residences are now operational and support growing activity within the ecozone.

Taway highlighted the approval of APECO’s Master Development Plan, describing it as a “blueprint of responsible land use and strategic urban planning,” aligned with national priorities in food security, energy, clean technology, defense manufacturing, and tourism.

Preparing Aurora for Industrialization

Calling industrialization the “next chapter of APECO’s journey,” Taway explained that the ecozone aims to establish an integrated value-chain system benefiting farmers and fisherfolk.

Key components include agro-industrial centers for post-harvest processing, packaging, fish cold chain systems, and marine processing infrastructure — all intended to secure fair pricing for local producers and ease access to domestic and global markets.

One of the agency’s long-term ambitions is to position APECO as the Philippines’ first national defense hub, anchored on defense manufacturing. The Department of National Defense recently conducted an ocular visit to assess the feasibility of locating related industries within the ecozone.

Airport and Port Developments

APECO’s airport is nearing completion of corrective measures required by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). The agency expects to secure its permit-to-operate before year-end, with commercial flights targeted by the first quarter of 2026. Construction of the terminal building will begin shortly afterward.

For port development, APECO signed a Memorandum of Agreement with South Korea’s Yooshin Engineering Corporation to update the feasibility study for the proposed Casiguran International New Port. Taway said this development positions APECO to become a major transshipment hub and Aurora’s “Gateway to the Pacific.”

Strengthening the Workforce

Taway recognized APECO employees as the agency’s “most important asset,” acknowledging the increasing workload that came with the institution’s expansion.

To support personnel, APECO is pursuing organizational restructuring, regularization, and fair compensation initiatives. Plans for establishing an employees’ cooperative and provident fund are underway, designed to offer additional financial security and benefits. Skilled workers will also receive salary adjustments under APECO’s Big Brother Program.

A Vision Rooted in People

Taway reiterated that industrialization must not cause displacement or division, but rather inclusive growth anchored in community welfare, cultural respect, and equitable opportunity.

He posed a guiding question for the agency’s future direction: “For whom is progress?” The answer, he said, must always remain the same — “For the people of Aurora.”

A Call for Collective Momentum

In closing, the APECO President called on stakeholders to continue supporting the reforms and development programs underway: “The New APECO is not a project of a few; it is a movement of the people of Aurora. Let us continue what we have started.”

Taway ended with a message of unity and resolve, affirming that the agency is on a clear path toward building “a vibrant, inclusive, and progressive APECO.” (Jason de Asis)

TOP 📸: APECO President Atty. Gil Taway outlines sweeping reforms, infrastructure gains, and a bold industrialization roadmap in his 2025 State of APECO Address. A renewed vision for a “Bagong APECO” takes center stage as the agency reclaims investor confidence and strengthens community partnerships. (Jason de Asis)