(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.

(14 April 2025, Manila) – As part of its continued push to attract and to support various industry investments, the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) is preparing its workforce development strategy through a promising partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). With manpower demand expected to rise due to the arrival of new locators and investors, APECO is proactively aligning its labor development efforts to ensure that the economic zone is home to competitive and highly skilled human capital. This collaborative partnership aims to upskill and certify the existing labor market of the region, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and competencies required by investors and locators.

Welcomed by the TESDA Director General, Secretary Jose Francisco B. Benitez expressed strong support in APECO’s aspirations of human capital development for its internal staff and the regional workforce. He shared different types of interventions TESDA can implement such as specialized training programs to upskill existing APECO personnel, accrediting APECO and its locators to be part of TESDA’s Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Program, and even potentially establishing a dedicated training center within the economic zone that can host programs for senior high school students, existing professionals, and any individual looking for new skills. Secretary Benitez emphasized the value of enterprise-based apprenticeships through EBET, citing the strong adaptability and quicker learning-capacity of Filipino workers in on-the-job learning environments. This recommended model is seen as a practical and immediate pathway to bridge classroom learning with real-world demands.

Looking to establish productive long-term practices, APECO is keen to be home to a TESDA training center that would serve as a key institutional anchor to deliver TESDA-accredited programs in areas such as renewable energy, bamboo processing, welding—skills, among many options that are closely aligned with the emerging industries in APECO. The TESCA training center is also a forward-looking institution that looks to the future with an integrated approach to workforce readiness. TESDA shared that they are open to the possibility of incorporating Senior High School (SHS) training programs certified under TESDA’s quality assurance, offering NCII qualifications for SHS graduates and training under Community-Based Training and Enterprise Development (CBET).  

Finally, there was also discussions regarding a dedicated Indigenous Peoples’ Skills Development Center aimed to empower indigenous communities within APECO through livelihood training and cultural preservation. APECO, with its inclusive development model, seeks to ensure that any development within the economic zone directly benefits its local communities; moreover creates livelihood and earning opportunities especially for the indigenous people’s communities.

With a joint technical working group already established and a Memorandum of Agreement being drafted, this partnership marks a significant step toward building a resilient and competitive talent pool that will drive the economic zone’s growth and boost investor confidence. 

(25 March 2025, Casiguran) - Alongside the historic Indigenous Peoples Leaders’ Consultative Meeting (IPLCM), the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) convened separately the Indigenous Peoples’ (IP) chieftains and leaders with communities within the economic zone specifically from the San Ildefonso Peninsula. Tackling and resolving pressing IP issues and concerns, the meeting improved the renewed relationship between the investment promotion agency and local IP communities which APECO envisions to become the backbone of the region’s progress.

As APECO continues to work hand–in-hand with the IP communities, the meeting allowed the Casiguran-based investment promotion agency to share its immediate and long-term plans as it pursues industry development for the region. Atty. Gil G. Taway IV, APECO President and Chief Executive Officer, assured the IP leaders and chieftains that any development within the economic zone will not proceed without consulting the IP community and more importantly reiterated the agency’s unyielding support towards protecting the IP’s rights and ancestral  domain.

The discussions, facilitated by Mr. Randy O. Salo, Provincial Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR), and Ms. Zyrah Dela Cruz, Municipal IPMR, underscored the unified efforts of the indigenous settlements in advocating for their ancestral domain rights as well as the preservation of their rich cultural heritage and way of life. Engr. Mark C. Basilio, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Aurora CDO III, reported the successful issuance of the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) for the IPs which for years had stalled and only proceeded when the current administration of APECO supported it.

While the IP leaders and chieftains understood the need for industry development, they affirmed their commitment to safeguarding their traditions while engaging in constructive discussions with the economic zone. Another key recommendation as a result of this was that the APECO Masterplan, which is currently being updated and redeveloped, would take into consideration the Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan (ADSPP) of the different settlements and communities. Atty. Taway  welcomed the recommendation and shared that two of APECO’s Masterplan’s main objectives are to generate job opportunities for the IPs and for any development initiative within the economic zone to uphold the aspirations of the IP communities. 

(25 March 2025, Casiguran) - For the first time since its establishment, the Annual Indigenous Peoples Leaders’ Consultative Meeting (AIPLCM) was held in the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) where Indigenous Peoples’ (IP) chieftains and leaders from the different municipalities of Aurora tackled pressing issues and concerns their settlements may have. As part of this significant meeting, APECO also hosted the official voting of the new Provincial Council of Chieftains of Aurora within its halls marking yet another significant milestone for the IP communities in Aurora.

By hosting the AIPLCM, APECO acknowledges the importance of unity and camaraderie among IP chieftains and leaders, fostering collaboration and ensuring that the development of the economic zone aligns with the hopes and interests of the IPs moreover promotes the investment promotion agency’s thrust of inclusive development where all stakeholders have the proper platform for consultation and feedback. 

The meeting further highlighted APECO’s efforts to integrate the IP communities into its long-term development strategies. Hon. Reynante Tolentino Jr., Executive Assistant to the Governor’s Office of Aurora, Hon. Jennifer Araña, Vice Governor of Aurora, and Hon. Roynald Soriano, Municipal Mayor of Casiguran, participated in discussions of various topics including existing and new economic and livelihood opportunities for the IPs, ancestral land concerns, and the protection and promotion of IP communities rights to name a few. Facilitated by Atty. Atanacio Addog, Regional Director of the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) Region III, the meeting provided an avenue for the IP communities to express concerns regarding land occupation and economic participation, ensuring that their inputs and suggestions are considered in policy formulation. Additionally, the election of new officers for the Provincial Council of Chieftains reinforced the institutionalization of IP representation within APECO’s governance structure, which aims to ensure and to respect IPs role in shaping the ecozone’s future.

Moving forward, APECO has outlined several development initiatives that will directly benefit the IP communities, ensuring their active participation in economic growth. Plans include the appointment of  IP Desk Officers to support indigenous affairs within the ecozone, as well as to provide upskilling programs such as basket-making, banana chip production, and furniture crafting to enhance and to diversify livelihood opportunities. This initiative is in continuation of APECO’s IP inclusion programs which include the development of an IP Lounge in the APECO Administrative Building and the creation of the IP Desk.

With its new strategic direction, APECO plans to create many employment opportunities and new economic models that prioritize and benefit the IP  communities in the region. By fostering an inclusive approach for industry development, APECO is setting a standard for sustainable development that respects and uplifts the IP communities of Aurora, empowering them to become more than just beneficiaries and to be active partners in the province’s economic progress.

(06 Marso 2025, Citadines, Quezon City) - Tungo sa layuning inklusibong pag-unlad, isinagawa ng Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) ang Capacity Development and Empowerment Training (CDET) para sa mga lider at chieftains ng mga katutubong pamayanan sa loob ng ecozone. Ang inisyatibong ito ay naglalayong ihayag ang bagong estratehikong direksyon ng APECO sa ilalim ng bago nitong pamunuan kung saan kabilang dito ang pagsasakatuparan ng pagbibigay suporta sa lokal na komunidad lalo na sa ating mga kapatid na katutubo.

Sa unang araw ng kaganapang ito ay pinasimulan ng Community Relations Chief na si Ms. Lhuzed Anne Jandoc ang programa sa pagtatalakay ng mga naturang layunin at suliranin ng panibagong pamunuan ng APECO tulad na lamang ng pagkakaroon ng pagkakaisa at inklusibong pag-unlad kasama ang mga lokal na komunidad. Bahagi rin ng kanyang mga tinalakay ay ang mga programang kasalukuyang isinasaayos at binubuo para sa karagdagang oportunidad sa pangkabuhayan ng mga lokal na manggagawa. Kasunod nito ay tinalakay ng Business Development and Division Manager na si Mr. Gene Angelo P. Ferrer ang komprehensibong estratehikong direksyon na pinagsisikapan at pinagtatrabahuhan ng panibagong pamunuan tungo sa patuloy na pagpapa-unlad ng lokal na ekonomiya ng Aurora. Inaasahang sa pagbubukas ng mga karagdagang imprastraktura tulad ng Central Water Supply and Reservoir, Material Recovery Facility at Super Health Center na na pinasinayaan noong Pebrero ay makatutulong ito sa paghihikayat ng mga panibagong mamumuhunan sa loob ng ecozone. Sa pagsasara ng unang araw ng programa ay binigyang diin ni Deputy Administrator Mr. Angelo Gabriel D. Mantuano na bagama’t bago pa lamang ang panibagong pamunuan ay ipinapangako nito na tunay na maaasahan at na makikitaan ng pangmatagalang bunga ang mga pangkasalukuyang isinasagawang pagsasaayos at pagbubukas ng mga panibagong prokeyto sa ilalim ng panibagong pamunuan ng APECO.

Sa ikalawang araw ng programa, ipinasyal ang mga kalahok sa bagong APECO satellite office sa Maynila upang iparamdam ang mabilisang pagbabago na isinasagawa ng bagong pamunuan kung saan makakatipid ang APECO ng P4M na maaring gamitin sa ibang proyekto. Alinsunod dito, ay pinangunahan ni Corporate Planning Division Manager na si Ms. Ma. Cristina G. Suaverdez ang pagtalakay sa pangkalahatang plano ng bagong administrasyon, kung saan bahagi rin nito ay ang pagbibigay linaw sa mga pangunahing isyu na nag-ugat mula sa maling impormasyon at maling pananaw. Kabilang dito ay ang pagbibigay-linaw na hindi lamang nakatuon ang pangkasalukuyang administrasyon sa pagpapatayo ng mga imprastraktura kundi pati na rin sa tunay na paglilingkod sa lokal na komunidad. 

Sa pagtatapos ng programa, ay ipinahayag ng pamunuan ng APECO na kailanman ay walang kapatid na katutubo ang paaalisin o tatanggalan ng lupa. Kasabay nito ay ang pagbibigay diin sa walang humpay nitong pangako na walang proyektong gagawin ang APECO nang walang pahintulot ng ating mga kapatid na katutubo at na makatitiyak ang lokal na komunidad na mananatiling bukas ang pinto ng pamunuan tungo sa mas maliwanag at maunlad na hinaharap.