(20 May 2025, Clark, Pampanga) - The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) has initiated a strategic dialogue with Calfurn Manufacturing Philippines, Inc. to explore opportunities in the rattan processing industry aimed at benefiting local communities within the economic zone. This initial discussion marks APECO’s proactive effort to promote the cultural traditions of Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities and to develop alternative income streams for these communities.

APECO’s initiative focuses on building a local rattan manufacturing sector by leveraging Calfurn’s expertise in sustainable furniture production and international market experience. During the discussion, Calfurn offered to coordinate with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to deliver technical assistance and access to advanced rattan processing equipment. This partnership aims to establish training programs that will equip the community with valuable craftsmanship skills while promoting the sustainable use of natural resources.

“We launched this engagement with Calfurn to help our people explore and grow the rattan industry here in Casiguran,” said Atty. Gil G. Taway IV, APECO President and CEO. “By bringing in technical know-how and market linkages, we want to empower our communities—especially our Indigenous Peoples—and to create new economic opportunities that contribute to long-term, inclusive growth.”

Calfurn, a respected Filipino brand known internationally for its high-end, handcrafted furniture made from indigenous and sustainable materials, brings decades of experience in export-driven markets such as the U.S. and Europe. Their involvement strengthens APECO’s goal to position the economic zone as a hub for sustainable furniture manufacturing and natural materials processing.

The partnership is expected to generate significant local economic benefits, including job creation, a stronger supply chain, and reduced dependence on imported materials. Calfurn’s leadership also committed to helping APECO build connections with key industry networks to boost innovation and expand the market reach of rattan-based products.

Additionally, both parties expressed interest in pursuing joint research and development on underutilized raw materials within the zone, aiming to unlock new product possibilities and support responsible industrial growth.

This collaborative effort reflects APECO’s ongoing dedication to sustainability, community empowerment, and building resilient local industries for the future.

(03 April 2025, Pampanga) - In a bid to expand sustainable livelihood opportunities and promote coastal development, the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) met with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to further discuss the rollout of the strategic marine and coastal initiatives—including the salt production facility, seaweed farming, and two (2) potential legislated marine hatchery.

Spearheaded by BFAR Regional Director Mr. Willy Cruz along with APECO Deputy Administrator Mr. Angelo Gabriel D. Mantuano, and Business Development and Marketing Division (BDMD) Manager Mr. Gene Angelo P. Ferrer, the meeting focused on the implementation of these key projects to maximize the region’s coastal potential and ensure community-driven development.

A standout development was the finalization of the salt production facility set to rise on a one-hectare flat land in Parcel 1 of APECO’s development zone. With an initial investment of ₱10 million, the facility will be constructed over approximately four months, depending on site conditions and topography. Ensuring proper training and systems are in place, BFAR will handle the production operations for the first two years before its management transition to APECO or designated local associations, with BFAR continuing oversight. The production shall primarily focus on bulk salt production before gradually transitioning into high-grade salt manufacturing, marking a progressive value-chain strategy.

Another promising outcome of the meeting is BFAR’s upcoming site inspection of the coastal barangays of Cozo and Dinalugan, which are being considered for the establishment of seaweed farming operations. These areas hold strong potential given the rising demand for seaweed-based products in both regional and international markets. To support this initiative, APECO is assessing the feasibility of becoming a consolidated buyer, a move that would centralize procurement, enhance quality control, and position the region for future export opportunities to neighboring Asian countries.

Finally, discussions also tackled the legislated marine hatchery project—a forward-looking initiative envisioned to span a 100-hectare lot that would potentially open employment for up to 800 individuals in the region. The hatchery aims to serve not just as a production site but also as a training ground. BFAR is committed to equipping the local community with skills, especially in producing value-added marine products such as fish rearing that blend livelihood with sustainability and creativity.

The meeting concluded with a shared optimism and mutual commitment to advancing marine-based industries in Aurora. Both parties agreed to a ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), scheduled for 16 June 2025. The event will coincide with the commissioning of BFAR’s “Dona Aurora” vessel and will serve as a prelude to the Philippine Rise Anniversary celebrations. These collaborative efforts reflect a growing commitment to inclusive development and sustainability—anchored on partnerships that empower communities and steward the region’s rich natural resources.

(23 May 2025, Casiguran, Aurora) – The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) continues to advance its institutional reorganization efforts with a successful round of employee consultations held on 22–23 May 2025. These sessions, designed to engage employees as active stakeholders in shaping the agency's future, included all Casiguran-based units, with a separate consultation conducted for the Corporate Planning Division (CPD) in recognition of its critical role in finalizing the Reorganization Outputs.

Spearheading the sessions was Mr. Kevin John Domingo, Management Consultant of the Office of the Deputy Administrator (ODA), who facilitated the preparation, presentation, and discussion of key components: the Current State Assessment (CSA), the proposed Organizational Structure and Staffing Pattern (OSSP), and the reorganization roadmap. This initiative is being carried out in compliance with GCG Memorandum Circular No. 2015-04.

The CSA, which served as the cornerstone diagnostic report, outlined significant institutional challenges—particularly structural misalignments between the current structure and APECO’s strategic priorities for 2024–2029. These insights guided the development of a proposed four-tiered organizational hierarchy featuring new bureaus, departments, and divisions designed to align with APECO’s core service clusters.

While no issues were raised during the open forum, post-session feedback indicated a strong sense of support and optimism among employees. One participant expressed appreciation for the proposed elevation of certain units to Division status, highlighting its potential to improve stakeholder engagement in the DiCaDi area. Another participant welcomed the formation of a dedicated Human Resources (HR) Division, noting that it addresses long-standing concerns over the agency's reliance on Contract of Service (COS) personnel and the need for a professionalized HR function.

These responses reflect a shared enthusiasm for reforms that prioritize the workforce and affirm APECO’s commitment to inclusive and responsive governance. By placing employee perspectives at the center of this initiative, APECO underscores that this reorganization is not merely a compliance exercise—but a transformative step toward building a more efficient, empowered, and strategically aligned institution. Through these consultations, APECO is fostering a participatory culture and renewed internal momentum, both essential to sustaining the zone’s long-term development mission.

(10 April 2025, Parañaque City) - The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) took a significant step toward the full operations of its recently inaugurated Super Health Center with a meeting between its prospective health sector partners—Kairos Health and Freya Trading Inc. Through the guidance and leadership of Atty. Gil G. Taway IV, APECO President and CEO, the discussions reached a productive outcome that marks a crucial milestone in finalizing the plans that will bring essential medical services closer to the local population of Casiguran as well as employees and guests of the economic zone’s locators.

The Super Health Center is envisioned as a cornerstone of healthcare access within the economic zone and its surrounding communities where it is expected to provide a wide range of essential services from diagnostics to preventive care. Discussions during the meeting focused on operational planning, facility development, and timelines, with all parties expressing strong commitment to fast-tracking the completion of the project. The involvement of Kairos Health and Freya Trading Inc. reflects growing confidence among private partners in the viability and impact of health-related investments in APECO.

“The full operations of the Super Health Center reflects APECO’s dedication to seeing things through. It is not enough that we construct key infrastructures but also equally important is that these buildings serve their purpose,” said Atty. Gil G. Taway IV, APECO President and CEO, “we must work doubly hard to ensure that the investments we’ve made in these buildings result in services that are tenable and accessible to our locators and the community.”

With the groundwork for collaboration now laid out, APECO is moving steadily toward making the Super Health Center fully functional. This development not only aligns with the ecozone's mission to promote inclusive growth and to build social infrastructures but also demonstrates the agency's capacity to attract and to support purpose-driven investors. Once operational, the facility is expected to serve as a vital health hub in the region, improving healthcare access and setting a precedent for future public-private initiatives in the region.

(04 April 2025, Quezon City) - Atty. Edward M. Campos, Assistant General Manager of the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA), has expressed strong support for the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) in its plan to conduct a feasibility study for a multipurpose port in Casiguran, Aurora. This proposed study is a crucial step toward the development of the Casiguran Port, a strategic infrastructure project aimed at enhancing trade and logistics within the economic zone.

The initiative was discussed in detail during a meeting between APECO and PFDA officials, led by APECO’s Business Development and Marketing Division (BDMD) Manager, Mr. Gene Angelo P. Ferrer. In addition to the port project, PFDA is also exploring the construction of a solar-powered cold storage facility in the region. This facility is intended to serve not only the fisheries sector but also other agricultural producers, highlighting a broader vision of integrated rural development and food security.

According to Mr. Ferrer, the proposed port and cold storage project aligns with the agency’s goal to expand commercial opportunities within the economic zone. Given Casiguran's strategic location along the seaboard and its proximity to the rich marine and agricultural resources of the Philippine Rise, the development is expected to bring APECO closer to being the Fishing Capital of the Pacific.

“The establishment of the commercial fishing hub stems from the visionary leadership of President Taway, who has long recognized the untapped potential of our coastal communities,” Mr. Ferrer said. “This initiative reflects his commitment to inclusive development and sustainable resource management. However, realizing such transformative infrastructure is not the work of a single office or agency. It is only through the collaboration of various government institutions—each bringing their expertise, resources, and mandates—that we can deliver long-term, impactful projects that uplift the lives of the Filipino people," he added.

Atty. Campos emphasized, “PFDA is committed to supporting APECO’s vision for Casiguran. By working together on this feasibility study, we can ensure that the development of the multipurpose port and cold storage facility not only boosts the fisheries sector but also drives sustainable economic growth in the region.”

The meeting concluded with agreements to draft a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between APECO and PFDA. Both parties also outlined the steps to formally request PFDA’s technical assistance in conducting the feasibility study. Stakeholders anticipate that the study will lay the foundation for mobilizing investments and public-private partnerships to turn these infrastructure plans into reality.

(08 April 2025, Parañaque City) - The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) has taken a major leap forward in establishing itself as the premier investment destination in Northern Luzon by finalizing a strategic Channel Partner Agreement with Converge ICT Solutions Inc., a leading provider of high-speed internet services in the Philippines. This partnership, spearheaded by APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV, aims to formalize a mutually beneficial relationship that will revolutionize connectivity within the economic zone, providing investors and locators with fast, reliable internet—critical for modern business operations.

Converge Area Account Manager Jason Del Rosario played a pivotal role in advancing the partnership to completion, underscoring the company’s commitment to supporting regional economic development through enhanced digital infrastructure. The improved connectivity from Converge’s services is particularly promising for business process outsourcing (BPO) firms and other technology-oriented enterprises.

With reliable high-speed internet now available within the economic zone, APECO becomes a viable location for digital service providers and call center agencies seeking to expand into cost-effective, less congested regions. This not only diversifies APECO’s industrial base but also opens new employment opportunities for local communities, aligning with national goals for inclusive, technology-driven development.

Beyond telecommunications, APECO continues to offer a full suite of utilities, including power and water services, demonstrating its readiness to accommodate the diverse needs of investors. This solidifies the agency’s status as a fully equipped, investor-friendly zone. The Channel Partner Agreement further boosts the zone’s operational capabilities and positions APECO as a digital-ready hub in Northern Luzon.

Atty. Taway remarked, “This partnership with Converge ICT is a game-changer for APECO. Fast and reliable internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity for businesses today. With this in place, we are confident that APECO will attract a new wave of locators, particularly in the BPO and digital services sectors, accelerating economic growth in the region.”

As the partnership unfolds, investors seeking a strategic location with modern digital infrastructure and access to a growing regional market will find APECO increasingly hard to overlook. The APECO-Converge collaboration is more than a business agreement—it is a milestone that signals APECO’s commitment to embracing the future of economic development through connectivity. With reliable, high-speed internet now at its core, APECO stands ready to offer investors a robust platform for growth, innovation, and competitive advantage in the evolving Philippine economy.

(02 April 2025 - Baler, Aurora) Officials from the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO), including President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV, Deputy Administrator Angelo Gabriel D. Mantuano, and Engineering and Environmental Safety Division Manager Engr. Ryan V. Baliat met with Civil Service Commission (CSC) representatives Director Seymour Pajares and Mr. Harold Enrico. The primary focus of the meeting was to explore significant measures aimed at enhancing APECO's human resource management strategies, demonstrating the organization's steadfast commitment to achieving excellence in institutional development and governance.

APECO highlighted its dedication to integrating a comprehensive Strategic Performance Management System (SPMS), which is supported and guided by the CSC. The SPMS is envisioned as a crucial mechanism for enhancing organizational performance, fostering accountability, and cultivating a culture focused on achieving concrete results.

President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV underscored the importance of aligning individual and organizational goals through effective performance management practices. "At APECO, we are committed to embracing best practices to significantly improve efficiency and service quality within our organization," he stated.

Both APECO and CSC officials exchanged valuable insights on strategies for building capacities and developing competencies effectively. APECO plans to closely collaborate with CSC in designing and implementing specialized training programs and workshops, particularly tailored for its human resource professionals. This collaborative approach aims to equip HR personnel with critical skills, contemporary knowledge, and expertise necessary to effectively address the evolving challenges in the public sector.

A major aspect of this collaborative initiative is the planned development and implementation of a Competency Framework at APECO by 2025. This framework will clearly define essential knowledge, skills, and behaviors required by employees across different positions, facilitating strategic workforce planning, structured career advancement, and robust succession management practices.

"We firmly believe that establishing a clear and structured competency framework will significantly support the professional development of our employees, enhance organizational capabilities, and maintain our competitiveness and responsiveness to dynamic economic conditions," PCEO Taway remarked.

Additionally, APECO expressed its aspiration to achieve PRIME-HRM (Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management) accreditation from the CSC, reflecting its dedication to excellence in human resource management and organizational effectiveness.

CSC representatives conveyed their strong support for APECO’s proactive initiatives and affirmed the Commission’s readiness to extend necessary assistance. The collaboration was acknowledged as a positive step forward in advancing public-sector management and governance.

This meeting marks an important milestone in the partnership between APECO and CSC, establishing a strong foundation for sustained improvements in human resource management. Both organizations have pledged continued cooperation, regular engagement, and resource sharing to effectively achieve their strategic objectives and promote ongoing institutional growth.