In photo: APECO and TGVDC executives ground break on the site where a seafood processing plant, an ice plant, and cold storage facilities will be built.
(30 April 2025 – Casiguran, Aurora) – The new era of growth, collaboration, and industry development continues to emerge for the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) as two (2) domestic investors officially broke ground in the Casiguran-based economic zone. Looking to build major infrastructure projects, namely 70 villas with 10 leisure amenities and a full-cycle marine food processing facility, Central Sierra Hotels Resorts, Inc. (CSHRI) and TGV Development Corporation (TGVDC) allocated approximately P185 million in investments towards these projects with a target of 6-8 months to be fully operational.
“Today marks not only the groundbreaking for our investors, CSHRI and TGVDC, but also marks the transformation of APECO from a once non-performing government agency to a true catalyst of change whose purpose remains to be in service of the Filipino people,” said APECO President and CEO, Atty. Gil G. Taway IV, during the groundbreaking ceremony, “more than a year ago we took on this challenge together, the challenge to turn around APECO. There is much we’ve accomplished but there is even more that we dream for, there is more to work for.”
One of APECO’s new strategic directions is to establish itself as the Fishing Capital of Luzon due to its strategic location facing the Pacific Ocean, with exclusive access to the Philippine Sea and the Philippine Rise. Towards this goal, TGVDC is constructing several infrastructures to support the commercial fishing imperative of the economic zone, specifically an ice plant, a cold storage facility, a food processing center, and docking and boat facilities. Further positioning APECO as the Phili[ppines’ next premiere tourism destination, CSHRI is set to open seventy (70) villas, ten (10) designed as luxury accommodations, along with small marina berth facilities capable of handling boats ranging from 10 to 35 feet.
“APECO has always been in our radar as a potential site for our commercial activities but it was only under Atty. Taway’s administration that we were truly convinced to pursue a venture here,” shared Mr. Rene G. Tayag, President and CEO of TGVDC and CSHRI, “I admire the speed and transparency at which Atty. Taway and his team conduct business which truly reflects their passion to discover economic opportunities for Casiguran, and for Aurora.”
With APECO’s unwavering commitment to progress, it is poised to become a significant player in both the regional and national economic landscapes. Backed by dynamic partnerships and inspired by a bold vision for the future, APECO continues to attract meaningful investments that foster innovation, generate employment, and uplift the local community. The groundbreaking festivities stand as a testament to the trust placed in APECO’s new leadership and to the promise of a brighter future anchored on progress, collaboration, and inclusive growth for Aurora.
APECO is located in Casiguran, Aurora and was established through Republic Act 9490, as amended by Republic Act 10083. APECO is planned to be developed into and operated as a decentralized, self-reliant and self-sustaining industrial, commercial/trading, agro-industrial, tourist, banking, financial and investment center with suitable residential areas. APECO is a government-owned and controlled corporation whose purpose is to attract foreign investments, to generate jobs, and to improve social and economic conditions of the local community.
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