WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) and Anglicotech Philippines Inc. have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore the development of a drone facility in Casiguran, Aurora, with an estimated initial investment of $20 million (about ₱1.26 billion).

APECO President and CEO Gil G. Taway IV and Anglicotech President and CEO David Cooper signed the agreement Oct. 29 at the Philippine Embassy in Washington during the agency’s investment promotion mission to the United States from Oct. 24 to 30.

Under the agreement, the proposed five-hectare facility would serve as a center for the development, testing and operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and maritime drones.

The initial phase would focus on testing and evaluating unmanned systems and training remote pilots and operators.

Future phases could include mixed manned and unmanned operations, maintenance, repair and overhaul services, systems integration, component production and local drone manufacturing.

The facility is also envisioned to support applications in maritime surveillance, logistics, disaster response and search-and-rescue operations.

APECO and Anglicotech began discussions on the project in 2024. Anglicotech officials visited the economic zone in Casiguran on Aug. 16, 2025, to inspect the proposed development site.

The project could provide opportunities for local drone technology development and technical partnerships with the Philippine military and other government agencies. (APECO Press Release)