Casiguran, Aurora – Marking a pivotal change in the management of the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO), President and CEO, Atty. Gil G. Taway IV, recently submitted a formal position paper to the National Commission of Indigenous People (NCIP) reflecting APECO’s full support for the application of the Indigenous People’s communities from Aurora specifically in Dinalungan, Casiguran, and Dilasag (DiCaDi) for a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT). The CADT is a crucial legal instrument that recognizes the ancestral domain rights of Indigenous Peoples which serves as evidence of ownership over their traditional lands and ancestral domains.

While the CADT is given at the sole discretion of the NCIP, APECO’s new management has decided to redefine the role of the agency to become a key ally of IP communities within the economic zone who have historically been hindered from securing their ancestral land rights.

“The Agtas of DiCaDi have, for generations, served as rightful custodians of their ancestral territory. Their deep-rooted connection to the land is reflected in their traditional practices and way of life. By granting the Agtas a CADT, we not only provide them with the formal recognition they deserve but also empower them to sustain their traditions while ensuring that their rights are respected in all future developments within their territory,” said PCEO Taway regarding the importance of granting CADT for the Agtas.

The initiative underscores APECO’s dedication to not only advancing economic growth within the region but also ensuring that the benefits of this growth are equitably shared. APECO is prepared to provide comprehensive assistance in navigating the complex CADT process and is committed to seeing the process through. In collaboration with the NCIP, various legal experts, and local stakeholders including various IP community leaders, APECO is committed to providing the necessary assistance to finally obtain their CADT, which they have long been waiting for. This is a testament to APECO’s desire to be true partners in development for the IP communities in the DiCaDi area.

“In parallel, APECO remains committed to the sustainable development of DiCaDi and Aurora Province. We firmly believe that recognizing ancestral domains of indigenous communities is a fundamental and crucial step towards realizing this goal. Furthermore, the approval of this CADT application will benefit not only the Agtas of DiCaDi but also will contribute significantly to the broader objectives of sustainable development in the region,” further expressed PCEO Taway.

The initiative aligns with APECO’s broader vision of creating a balanced and equitable development model that prioritizes both economic growth and cultural preservation. By actively involving Indigenous groups in the decision-making process and providing them with the tools and support they need, APECO is setting a precedent for how economic zones can collaborate with local communities to achieve mutual benefits.