(18 June 2025, Manila) - The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) has expanded its airstrip in Casiguran, Aurora by an additional 12 hectares, paving the way for its conversion into a commercial airport.
The expansion aims to transform the existing airstrip into a fully operational airport that will improve connectivity between the Casiguran-based economic zone and international markets.
Apeco president and chief executive officer Gil Taway IV formalized the land acquisition with lawyer Edward Chua Cham and Magdalena Chua Cham in a signing ceremony in Quezon City on Tuesday, June 17.
The Chua Cham family donated 5.2 hectares of land—representing half of the current airstrip area—and sold another 6.8 hectares to Apeco.
“Apeco’s potential to do more depends on the amount of land we administer. In our continuing land acquisition efforts, we were left with higher rates beyond the zonal valuation,” Taway said.
“Apeco, however, was able to acquire the property from the Chua Cham family at 50 percent less than the previous buying rate, which we consider highly advantageous to the government,” he added.
The Apeco airport project is seen as a key infrastructure development for northeastern Luzon, expected to improve access to Aurora and stimulate investment, trade and tourism in the region.
In February 2025, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) conducted an inspection and assessment of the Casiguran airstrip.
Once operational, the airport will offer direct air access for travelers, investors and cargo operators.
The original news article was first featured in the Business Mirror by Bless Aubrey Ogerio. To view the article, click here.
