(18 June 2025, Quezon City) - The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) has secured additional land to develop an existing airstrip into a commercial airport, providing investors direct access to the ecozone.
In a statement, APECO said it has sealed an agreement with the Chua Cham family to acquire 12 hectares of land in Brgy. Esteves in the town of Casiguran.
Under the deal, the Chua Cham family donated 5.2 hectares of land while selling an additional 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,” said APECO President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gil Taway IV.
“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.
Taway said obtaining new land is a “major step” in connecting the Casiguran-based ecozone to the global investment market.
The 1.320-kilometer Casiguran airstrip, which is planned to be developed as the APECO Airport, is seen to improve accessibility to Aurora and northeastern Luzon.
APECO stated that the operationalization of this Airport will boost investments in the ecozone, as it will provide direct air links for business travelers, investors, and cargo.
Based on its website, the existing airstrip in APECO can only be reached by way of private flight.
Earlier this year, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) inspected and assessed the airstrip’s condition, paving the way for recommendations for the issuance of a Permit to Operate (PTO).
At present, there are four feeder airports in Aurora, with the nearest being Dr. Juan C. Angara Airport in San Luis, Aurora, located seven kilometers from the ecozone.
The closest major airports are Clark International Airport and Ninoy Aquino International Airport, which are 265.9 kilometers and 319 kilometers away, respectively.
Aside from potential new investments, APECO said building the airport will also be a boon for the tourism sector given the natural tourist attractions in the area, including beaches and its rich biodiversity.
“We are working with CAAP and other key agencies to fast-track this project,” said Taway. “The APECO Airport will not only serve as a gateway to Aurora but it will be a gateway to new opportunities for the Philippines.”
The original article was first featured in the Manila Bulletin by Dexter Barro II. To view the article, click here.
