Ang Pahayagan

CASIGURAN, Aurora — The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) has welcomed the approval of the 2026 Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP), describing it as a significant boost to the agency’s long-term development agenda for Aurora Province and the Eastern Seaboard.

In a statement on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, APECO President and Chief Executive Officer Undersecretary Gil G. Taway IV said the signing of the 2026 SIPP by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reinforces APECO’s vision of transforming the economic zone into the country’s National Defense Hub, Fishing Capital of the Pacific, and Clean Energy Hub.

According to Taway, the newly approved investment priorities are closely aligned with APECO’s strategic development goals, particularly in sectors identified under the SIPP’s priority investment tiers.

Among the priority areas under Tier I are agriculture, fisheries, forestry development, manufacturing and processing of agricultural and fishery products, aircraft maintenance and repair services, telecommunications, ports, transportation, logistics centers, industrial zones, housing projects, and energy generation and storage facilities.

Taway noted that the inclusion of defense-related activities, renewable energy projects, and food security investments under Tier II further strengthens APECO’s position as a strategic investment destination capable of supporting the country’s security and economic objectives.

He also highlighted the importance of Tier III priorities, which include research and development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, defense-related manufacturing, hydrogen energy, and nuclear energy technologies. These sectors, he said, are expected to attract high-value investments, encourage technology transfer, and create quality employment opportunities in Aurora.

The APECO chief emphasized that the 2026 SIPP presents an opportunity to translate national investment policies into tangible benefits for local communities, including Indigenous Peoples, through job creation, skills development, and expanded livelihood opportunities.

Taway said the alignment between APECO’s development strategy and the country’s investment priorities will help foster inclusive growth while contributing to national goals on security, resilience, sustainability, and economic development. (Jason de Asis)