APECO, Global Firm IWG Explore Partnership For Office, Health Hub

(30 June 2025, Manila) - The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) is in talks with global workspace solutions provider International Workplace Group (IWG) for a possible partnership with the Casiguran-based ecozone.

In a statement Friday, APECO said the partnership would serve as an opportunity to introduce itself to international investors and business locators.

By managing and operating key facilities in the zone, APECO said the IWG can encourage its clients to explore investment opportunities within the ecozone.

APECO President and Chief Executive Officer Gil Taway IV said the interest from globally recognized companies like IWG “reflects the growing investor confidence in APECO”.

“It’s a result of our consistent reforms in APECO which also included new strategic directions for business development and marketing,” Taway said.

“As our branding of Bagong APECO grows, we are now engaged by more companies who see the potential of APECO as the country’s next premiere investment destination.”

The possible partnership includes IWG’s management of the ecozone’s Super Health Center.

The Super Health Center will initially offer primary care, including general check-ups and physical exams, diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses, laboratory and testing.

Taway and IWG Partnership Growth Director Michael Co met on June 19 at APECO’s office in Parañaque City to discuss the partnership.

They were also joined by APECO Deputy Administrator Angelo Gabriel Mantuano and Business Development and Marketing Division Manager Gene Angelo Ferrer.

IWG’s global CEO is expected to visit the Philippines in early July, with APECO preparing for further engagements during the visit.

“We’re excited about the opportunity to work with APECO and support its long-term development goals for the nation,” Co said.

“From our initial engagements, we’ve seen how responsive, professional, and action-oriented the APECO team is. These are qualities that are essential in building a successful and sustainable partnership,” Co added.

The original article was first featured by Page One PH. To view the article, click here.

APECO secures vital land for airport project

(23 June 2025, Manila) – The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) has acquired an additional 12-hectares of land in Barangay Esteves, Casiguran to support the transformation of its existing airstrip into a fully operational commercial airport.

Finalized in a ceremonial signing held in Quezon City, the Chua-Cham family donated 5.2 hectares—representing half of the airstrip area—and sold an additional 6.8 hectares to APECO.

APECO President and CEO Gil Taway IV said the land acquisition strengthens the agency’s push to modernize its infrastructure, noting that the ecozone’s development potential depends on the land it manages.

“In our continuing land acquisition efforts, we were left with higher rates beyond the zonal valuation. 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,” Taway furthered.

The commercial airport is expected to significantly improve access to Aurora and the northeastern Luzon economic corridor by enabling direct air connections for business travelers, investors, and cargo.

It will also stimulate local economic activity, enhance access to Aurora’s natural attractions, and create new livelihood and employment opportunities.

“The APECO Airport will not only serve as a gateway to Aurora but it will be a gateway to new opportunities for the Philippines,” Taway pressed.

Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) conducted a technical inspection of the airstrip in February 2025, resulting in recommendations that now guide APECO’s compliance process for securing a Permit to Operate.

APECO is actively coordinating with CAAP and other relevant agencies to fast-track regulatory approvals and begin development of the airport, which is a key component of its broader plan to position the ecozone as a hub for sustainable and inclusive growth.

The original article was first featured by the Philippine Information Agency Region 3 - Aurora. To view the article, click here.

APECO, IWG eyeing office space tie-up

(27 June 2025, Manila) - The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) is in talks with International Workplace Group (IWG), a global workspace solutions provider, for a potential strategic partnership to establish office spaces within the Casiguran-based ecozone.

“The growing interest from globally recognized firms like IWG reflects the rising investor confidence in APECO. This is a direct outcome of our sustained reforms and strategic shifts in business development and marketing,” said APECO president and chief executive Gil Taway in a June 19, 2025, meeting with IWG.

He said the agency’s recent rebranding to “Bagong APECO” is gaining momentum, attracting increased interest from companies that recognize its potential as the country’s next premier investment destination.

A partnership with IWG, which has a global footprint and an extensive international client network, is expected to further raise APECO’s profile among foreign investors and business locators.

Under the proposed collaboration, IWG could manage and operate key facilities in the zone, encouraging its clients to consider investment opportunities within APECO.

“From our initial engagements, we’ve seen how responsive, professional and action-oriented the APECO team is, qualities essential to building a successful and sustainable partnership,” said Michael Co, IWG partnership growth director.

APECO is gearing up for deeper discussions during the upcoming visit of IWG’s global chief executive to the Philippines in early July.

The original article was first featured in the Manila Standard. To view the article, click here.

APECO, global firm IWG explore partnership for office, health hub

(27 June 2025, Manila) – The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) is in talks with global workspace solutions provider International Workplace Group (IWG) for a possible partnership with the Casiguran-based ecozone.

In a statement Friday, APECO said the partnership would serve as an opportunity to introduce itself to international investors and business locators.

By managing and operating key facilities in the zone, APECO said the IWG can encourage its clients to explore investment opportunities within the ecozone.

APECO President and Chief Executive Officer Gil Taway IV said the interest from globally recognized companies like IWG "reflects the growing investor confidence in APECO".

"It's a result of our consistent reforms in APECO which also included new strategic directions for business development and marketing," Taway said.
"As our branding of Bagong APECO grows, we are now engaged by more companies who see the potential of APECO as the country’s next premiere investment destination."

The possible partnership includes IWG's management of the ecozone's Super Health Center.

The Super Health Center will initially offer primary care, including general check-ups and physical exams, diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses, laboratory and testing.

Taway and IWG Partnership Growth Director Michael Co met on June 19 at APECO's office in Parañaque City to discuss the partnership.

They were also joined by APECO Deputy Administrator Angelo Gabriel Mantuano and Business Development and Marketing Division Manager Gene Angelo Ferrer.

IWG’s global CEO is expected to visit the Philippines in early July, with APECO preparing for further engagements during the visit.

“We’re excited about the opportunity to work with APECO and support its long-term development goals for the nation," Co said.

"From our initial engagements, we’ve seen how responsive, professional, and action-oriented the APECO team is. These are qualities that are essential in building a successful and sustainable partnership," Co added.

The original news article was first featured in the Philippine News Agency. To view the article, click here.

APECO, 2GO eye land logistics route study for Aurora

(22 June 2025, Manila) - The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) is exploring a strategic partnership with 2GO Group Inc., one of the Philippines’ leading logistics and transportation providers, to do a route study for land logistics for Aurora that will help future locators move their goods and equipment in and out of the province.

This was discussed by APECO Deputy Administrator Angelo Gabriel D. Mantuano, 2GO Group Inc. President and CEO Mr. Frederic C. DyBuncio, and 2GO Special Containers and Value-Added Services Inc. (SCVASI) President Gener Lim in a recent meeting.

APECO Business Development and Marketing Division Manager Mr. Gene Angelo Ferrer, 2GO Business Unit Head for Sea Solutions Vice President Sharon M. Ngo, and Forwarding Business Unit Head Faye Alonzo were also present in the meeting.

The route study aims to assess the capacity of existing road networks in Aurora and identify the types and sizes of trucks for efficient transport to and from APECO.

“The goal is to give our locators reliable options for transporting their goods and equipment and to ensure that their logistics requirements are met efficiently as possible,” Mr. Ferrer said.

Discussions also covered long-term plans, including future development of a seaport and airport in Casiguran that could accommodate larger shipments and support key industries, such as components of renewable energy projects like wind turbines, smooth transport of supply and equipment as APECO positions itself as a national manufacturing hub for the defense industry, ensure efficient cold-chain management to enable the commercial fishing industry in the region.

“We want to make sure that the infrastructure will support the scale of investments and industries we are trying to attract, both now and in the future,” Mr. Ferrer added.
APECO, located in Casiguran, Aurora, is a special economic zone with a strategic geographic position, abundant natural resources, and potential for multi-sectoral development. The entry of a logistics industry leader like 2GO is seen as a catalyst for attracting more investors and enhancing connectivity in the region.

The initiative is part of APECO’s broader strategy to forge high-impact partnerships and stimulate inclusive economic growth through sustainable development.

The original article was first featured in Unlinews Online. To view the article, click here.

ExeCom reinforces the groundwork for Bagong APECO

(3 July 2025, PARQAL, Parañaque City) – With a clear vision for transformation, the Executive Committee (ExeCom) of the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) is setting the pace for Bagong APECO, which prioritizes infrastructure, investment, and inclusive development to turn the Casiguran-based ecozone into a future-ready, high-impact growth center in the northeastern seaboard of Luzon.

On July 1, 2025, the management team held its ExeCom meeting to provide updates on ongoing projects and lay out key priorities across infrastructure, partnerships, and stakeholder engagements that reflect the direction of Bagong APECO.

APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil Taway G. IV led the meeting, where several key infrastructure projects were highlighted as pillars of the ecozone’s transformation. 

Engineering and Environmental Safety Division (EESD) Manager Engr. Ryan V. Baliat shared the progress of several infrastructure initiatives that will soon reshape the tourism landscape in the northern part of Aurora. These include the reopening of eight executive villas, 20-room APECO Residences, and beachfront villas (JPEC Building), offering a total of 48 rooms. These are all owned, managed, and operated by APECO.

Engr. Baliat also gave updates on the development of the APECO Grand Lagoon featuring 43 glamping tents, a new “Aurora Legends” heritage installation, and the Mercato retail strip. These are designed not only to enhance the visitor experience but also to support tourism-driven growth and investor engagement.

Work is also underway to restore the operational capacity of the APECO airstrip, with corrective measures being implemented as part of its permit application with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines. Additional infrastructure in the pipeline includes ready-for-occupancy and ready-for-fit-out office units, along with preparations for the bidding of the planned APECO Convention Center—an anchor facility envisioned to host future business and trade events in the zone.

To ensure these infrastructure investments translate into economic activity and revenue generation for the government, Business Development and Marketing Division Manager Mr. Gene Angelo P. Ferrer discussed promotional strategies that will position APECO as an emerging destination for tourism and investment, and innovation. These efforts will complement the upcoming launch of APECO’s Master Development Plan, which will serve as a roadmap for APECO’s growth in the years ahead.

Investment promotion remains a top priority, with Deputy Administrator Mr. Angelo Gabriel D. Mantuano presenting updates on current and potential partnerships. Among the most advanced discussions is with Pacific Impact, a renewable energy firm preparing to break ground on a 16.9-megawatt solar power facility within the zone. Another promising partner is a financial technology firm that tokenizes gold and enables its conversion into cryptocurrency for investment and commerce.

Moreover, a Filipino company with an Australian partner is also exploring the development of a training center in APECO, which will help in developing the local workforce to meet the upcoming manpower demand of future locators in the ecozone. The firm also eyes to prepare Filipino workers for deployment and outsourcing opportunities in Australia.

Interest from global players is also growing, with an American company looking to collaborate on a seaport feasibility study and a Turkish firm considering APECO as part of its expansion strategy in the Philippines.

Mantuano also shared that APECO has begun organizational restructuring and to improve efficiency and realign internal systems with its development goals. This streamlining will help position APECO as a more agile and responsive investment destination moving forward.

As part of these reforms, APECO also plans to open additional plantilla positions and regularize qualified personnel, reflecting its commitment to building a stable and professional organization while recognizing the contributions of employees who have long supported APECO’s mandate.

The meeting also provided updates from Corporate Planning Division (CPD) Manager Ms. Ma. Cristina G. Suaverdez, who shared preparations for APECO Week on July 9 to 11. The event will celebrate employees and their contributions to the agency’s mission, reinforcing a culture of service and pride in public work as Bagong APECO continues to take shape.

The CPD is also leading the preparations for the launch of the Master Development Plan.

Community Relations Chief Luzed Anne J. Jandoc outlined upcoming engagement initiatives with the indigenous peoples (IPs) of Casiguran, anchored on sustained dialogue, inclusion, and community-centered development, which is an integral part of APECO’s vision to grow hand-in-hand with local communities.

PCEO Taway emphasized that all these efforts, from infrastructure development and investor engagement to tourism promotion and inclusive planning, are guided by the same strategic goal: to bring to life the vision of Bagong APECO as a catalyst for regional growth and national transformation.

“We are preparing APECO to welcome responsible investors and partners who share our vision. With the right infrastructure and policy direction, Bagong APECO will be a destination of choice in Northeastern Luzon,” PCEO Taway said.

The ExeCom also welcomed new team members who will help drive the mission forward, including Administrative and Finance Department Manager Mr. Rexzon M. Balacano, Executive Assistant to the PCEO Ms. Anna Margarita Tullao, and Public Relations Chief Ms. Kris M. Crismundo. Also present during the meeting were Senior Corporate Planning Specialist Jewel Joy L. Valdez, Principal Engineer C Gillian T. Julian, OIC Finance Chief Jenelyn R. Mamat-lalo, Admin Services Assistant A Oscar Beynard Gilbert Gutierrez, and Corporate Budget Specialist Lovely Lorane O. Esteves.

APECO pioneers cultural preservation in rice wine making workshop for Dibacong migrant IPs

(1 July 2025, Dibacong, Aurora) - The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) recently held a rice wine making workshop to reinforce its commitment to cultural preservation and inclusive development through community-based initiatives. 

APECO Community Relations Desk Officer for Migrant Indigenous Peoples (IPs) Chieftain Marita Gaspar led the rice wine making workshop for the elders of the Dibacong Migrants Tribe.

The workshop focused on reviving the age-old practice of rice wine making—an integral part of many indigenous rituals and social traditions in Dibacong. Chieftain Gaspar comprehensively presented each step of the process, from the preparation of raw materials to fermentation techniques. Her hands-on guidance was met with enthusiastic participation and deep appreciation from the elders, many of whom had long desired to reconnect with their cultural heritage.

This initiative aligns with APECO’s vision of sustainable development that respects indigenous identity and promotes inclusive growth. By empowering local IP communities with ancestral knowledge, APECO ensures that progress in the economic zone does not come at the cost of cultural erosion.

“APECO is not just about infrastructure and business—it is about building a future that honors the past,” APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV said. “Through initiatives like this, we create space for indigenous culture to flourish alongside economic development,” he added.

Beyond cultural revival, the rice wine making workshop also opens potential opportunities for local livelihood and small-scale entrepreneurship. With growing interest in organic and traditional products, rice wine could become a culturally significant product that contributes to the local economy.

The success of the event, marked by active participation and renewed community spirit, affirms the importance of cultural initiatives within APECO’s strategic directions. As APECO continues to strengthen the voice of its IP communities, the integration of indigenous identity into the agency’s development model sets a benchmark for culturally inclusive governance in economic zones.

APECO, global firm IWG explore partnership for office, health hub

(26 June 2025, PARQAL, Parañaque City) — The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) is in ongoing discussions with global workspace solutions provider International Workplace Group (IWG) to explore a strategic partnership for office within the Casiguran-based ecozone.

APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV and IWG Partnership Growth Director Michael M. Co met on June 19, 2025 at the investment promotion agency’s office in PARQAL, Parañaque City. They were also joined by APECO Deputy Administrator Angelo Gabriel D. Mantuano and Business Development and Marketing Division Manager Gene Angelo P. Ferrer.

Photo: IWG Partnership Growth Director Michael M. Co (left) and APECO Business Development and Marketing Division Manager Gene Angelo P. Ferrer

"The interest we're seeing now from globally recognized companies like IWG reflects the growing investor confidence in APECO. It's a result of our consistent reforms in APECO which also included new strategic directions for business development and marketing. As our branding of Bagong APECO grows, we are now engaged by more companies who see the potential of APECO as the country’s next premiere investment destination," PCEO Taway said.

With IWG’s global presence and extensive client network, the partnership is also seen as an opportunity to introduce APECO to a broader pool of international investors and business locators. By managing and operating key facilities in the zone, IWG can encourage its clients to explore investment opportunities within APECO.

“We’re excited about the opportunity to work with APECO and support its long-term development goals for the nation. From our initial engagements, we’ve seen how responsive, professional, and action-oriented the APECO team is. These are qualities that are essential in building a successful and sustainable partnership," Mr. Co said.

IWG’s global CEO is expected to visit the Philippines in early July, with APECO preparing for further engagements during the visit. 

APECO, PNP discuss stronger security cooperation for Casiguran

(23 June 2025, Quezon City) – To strengthen peace and order, the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) President and CEO Atty Gil G. Taway IV met with Philippine National Police Chief General Nicolas Torre III on June 17, 2025 at Camp Crame, Quezon City to explore a partnership for creating a safer environment for investors, locators, and nearby communities in the Casiguran-based ecozone.

Also present in the meeting were APECO Deputy Administrator Mr. Angelo Gabriel D. Mantuano and Business Development and Marketing Division Manager Mr. Gene Angelo P. Ferrer as well as PNP Director for Logistics Police Major General Neri Vincent D. Ignacio, Acting Director for Intelligence PBGen Wilson Joseph F. Lopez, and PNP Directorate for Operations Deputy Director PBGen Randy Y. Arceo.

PCEO Taway suggested to the PNP chief that the investment promotion agency is open to host police outposts to increase police visibility within APECO.

The site offers unique advantages for training purposes, including the possibility of conducting both land- and water-based drills, given APECO’s diverse terrain and coastal location. Its wide open spaces are suitable for simulated operations, while its proximity to the sea allows for maritime security exercises. The area’s relative isolation also provides a controlled environment ideal for specialized tactical training and disaster response simulations.

During the discussion, the two agencies also explored the possibility of the ecozone hosting a PNP training center with APECO through usufruct.

The meeting also paved the way for APECO and PNP to explore a possible memorandum of agreement (MOA) to cement this cooperation. 

Both parties recognized the critical role of security, promoting investor confidence and supporting sustainable development in Aurora.

Future engagements between APECO and PNP are being planned. This meeting marks another step in APECO’s efforts to build strong partnerships that support economic growth while maintaining peace, order, and public safety in Aurora.

APECO Secures 12-Hectare Land For Airport Development

(18 June 2025, Quezon City) - The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) has acquired 12 hectares of land in Esteves, Casiguran, Aurora for the development of a commercial airport.

In a statement Wednesday, APECO said its existing Airstrip would be developed into a commercial airport, connecting the ecozone to the global investment market.

President and chief executive officer Gil Taway IV signed an agreement with landowners Edward Chua Cham and Magdalena Chua Cham in Quezon City on June 17.

They also signed on behalf of George Chua Cham, brother of Edward Chua Cham.

Under the agreement, the Chua family donated 5.2 hectares of land to APECO and sold an additional 6.8 hectares.

The airport is expected to significantly improve accessibility to Aurora and the northeastern Luzon economic corridor.

The operationalization of the airport will help boost investments and trade by providing direct air links for business travelers, investors, and cargo, and will also open up APECO’s natural tourist attractions, attract more visitors and create livelihood and employment for local communities.

“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. 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,” Taway said.

“Their contribution strengthens our capacity to realize inclusive economic development for the people of Aurora. Their generosity is a testament to the growing public support APECO’s current direction, a powerful vote of confidence in our goal of Bagong APECO.”

In February 2025, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines inspected and assessed the condition of the Casiguran airstrip. The visit paved the way for recommendations for the issuance of a Permit to Operate.

“We are working with CAAP and other key agencies to fast-track this project. The Casiguran Airport will not only serve as a gateway to Aurora but it will be a gateway to new opportunities for the Philippines,” Taway said.

The original news article was first featured in Page One PH. To view the article, click here.