PH Ambassador to US gives seal of approval for APECO to become the country’s 1st national defense hub

Washington DC, USA - The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) embarked on an investment mission to the United States of America (US), led by President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV. The investment promotion agency gained a staunch ally in the Philippine Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez who expressed his full support for APECO’s new strategic direction to become the Philippines’ First National Defense Hub and other goals which include establishing itself as the Fishing Capital of Luzon, developing the region as a renewable energy center, and advancing Casiguran, Aurora as the country’s next premiere tourism destination. These new strategic directions are aligned with the priorities of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos' thrusts for national security, food security, and energy security and also reflects the agency’s commitment towards attracting more foreign direct investments.

Upon the instruction of the Ambassador, the Investment team was immediately received by the Defense and Armed Forces Attache, Colonel Roy Anthony O. Derilo, PA, and the Naval Attache, Capt James Francis P. Lugtu, PN as an initial step to link APECO to key players in the US Defense industry.

APECO provides the closest safe harbor to the Philippine Rise and remains as the only economic zone with immediate access to the Pacific Eastern Seaboard. Given the existing disputes in the West Philippine Sea, APECO stands as the logical choice for the country’s national defense agenda. Casiguran’s locational advantage coupled with natural barriers provided by the Sierra Madre Mountain Range and the San Ildefonso Peninsula makes APECO the perfect nexus of the country’s defense industry. Commercial chambers and other industries were also met by the team through the dedicated and tireless efforts of the Foreign Trade Service Corps led by Commercial Counsellor, Mr. Kenneth Yap of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center - Washington, D.C.

In addition to its focus on national security, APECO is committed to enhancing the country’s food and energy security. The Philippine Rise remains an underutilized resource which the country may benefit from when APECO realizes its vision of having its own seaport, which makes port development a top-priority project. APECO also enjoys high potential for renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. Unlocking these sources could see the economic zone providing a significant contribution towards the country’s National Renewable Energy Plan.

Besides its strategic location, APECO offers numerous advantages for investors. The economic zone is home to a high-quality workforce, known for its skills and adaptability, alongside the benefit of competitive labor costs across all markets. Investors can also take advantage of APECO’s low lease rates and long-term lease options, providing a cost-effective solution for businesses considering growth and expansion as well as those looking to extend their business continuity plans.

APECO is committed to promoting ease of doing business. The organization is dedicated to good governance, ensuring that the entry of businesses into the Philippine market is as seamless as possible. APECO’s streamlined processes and investor-friendly policies are designed to attract and retain foreign investors, such as those from the US.

APECO is located in Casiguran, Aurora and was established through Republic Act 9490, as amended by Republic Act 10083. APECO is planned to be developed into and operated as a decentralized, self-reliant and self-sustaining industrial, commercial/trading, agro-industrial, tourist, banking, financial and investment center with suitable residential areas. APECO is a government owned and controlled corporation whose purpose is to attract foreign investments, to generate jobs, and to improve social and economic conditions of the local community.

APECO completes formerly abandoned infrastructure projects amounting to P55M

Casiguran, Aurora - The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) proudly inaugurated three landmark infrastructure projects that significantly advances the attractiveness and preparedness of the Economic Zone for industry and commercial enterprises. The ceremony marks a transformative moment for APECO, demonstrating the new administration’s unwavering commitment towards accountability and transparency as well as its resolve to steer APECO in the right direction.

“President Marcos gave a clear directive that we should complete all the abandoned projects amounting to almost P800M and today APECO answers the call. Beyond addressing past challenges, PBBM also directed us to improve APECO’s performance as an investment promotion agency. Our first step to generate forward momentum is to make APECO investment ready. This means investing in foundational infrastructures that are necessary to support the entry of industries. Our strategic direction now is to transform APECO to become the fishing capital of the north, a renewable energy center, and the Philippines’ first national defense hub, and these would only be possible with the proper preparations,” said APECO President and CEO (PCEO) Atty. Gil G. Taway IV.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., shared the abandoned projects and how APECO under PCEO Taway IV was addressing them in his speech in Baler, Aurora last 12 July 2024.

*APECO joined by National Agency and Local Government Representatives in inaugurating their Fire Station

“We acted without delay, terminated existing contracts and re-bid them to remedy the situation. Today, we inaugurated two (2) of those formerly unfinished and abandoned infrastructure projects and introduced APECO’s Boat Café, a new tourism attraction for Casiguran,” continued APECO PCEO Taway IV.

With a total combined project cost of P55M, the first completed project is the Sewage Treatment Plant Project Phase 1 with a cost of P28M and the second project is the Fire Station with a total project cost of P27M. The Fire Station project itself is composed of P14M allotted for the infrastructure component and P13M for the procurement of a fire truck, a rescue vehicle and an ambulance which are already undergoing procurement. The Fire Station shall bring significant benefits to APECO and to the nearby local barangays by providing enhanced protection and reducing the risk from fires and other emergencies.

*APECO Officials, National Agency and Local Government Representatives join in blessing APECO's Sewage Treatment Plant Project Phase 1.

The Sewage Water Treatment Plant Project Phase 1 (STP 1) is part of four major fresh water supply projects that were left abandoned. STP 1 has a capacity of treating 250 cubic meters of waste water and is a major investment in environmental management, sustainability and ensuring fresh water is available for locators and the surrounding municipalities. It will address critical environmental challenges and sets a benchmark for sustainable development in the region.

While pivoting to industry, APECO is not abandoning the tourism sector. PCEO Taway IV has re-launched the Corporate Campus Development Program (CCDP) and has commenced developing a two hectare property into a series of lagoons with navigable canals showcasing green spaces in preparation to become a mixed tourist and commercial space, called “Little Kyoto/Little Amsterdam project”.

The first addition to the CCDP is a tourist attraction called the Boat Café, whose backdrop captures the beauty of the Casiguran Cove and the magnificent APECO Sunrise. Reconstructed from a derelict boat, the freshly inaugurated Boat Café is a fitting symbol of APECO’s resurrection. Situated just by the APECO Beach Fairgrounds, the instagrammable venue provides a serene environment for visitors to enjoy gourmet food and beverages while taking in picturesque views of the jaw-dropping location.

*APECO's newest attraction: The Boat Cafe

“The introduction of the Boat Café is expected to bring significant benefits to APECO and to Casiguran. It aims to attract tourists, boost local businesses, and create job opportunities within the hospitality sector,” concluded PCEO Taway IV.

The Boat Café is a testament to APECO’s vision of blending economic development with cultural enrichment and shall be the first of many for the CCDP. By investing in unique and engaging projects, APECO continues to enhance the attractiveness of Casiguran and support the overall growth of the province of Aurora.

APECO locator eyes $25-M RE dev’t

The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) on Thursday has signed an investor’s agreement with Pacific Impact Development Pte. Ltd. (Pacific Impact).

Pacific Impact, a Singapore-based energy company, intends to establish a renewable energy (RE) project with an estimated investment of $25 million.

Darwin F. Deato, Pacific Impact Philippines vice president, said his company selected Pacific Impact’s development team on the basis of its delivery on Wininvestment for more than 70GW from their previous projects in various countries, including Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Singapore and the Philippines.

Its team has also played key roles in the completion of several RE projects in the country, which include the utility-scale and off-grid solar power projects in Batangas, Busuanga, Occidental Mindoro and Tawi-Tawi.

The company likewise has an existing Wind Energy Service Contract (WESC) awarded by the Department of Energy for a project being developed in Albay.

The wind project is part of the renewable energy projects currently being prioritized under the National Renewable Energy Plan (NREP 2020-2040).

“The entry of Pacific Impact into APECO is a vote of confidence not only in APECO’s current business development direction but, more importantly, in the area of Casiguran, Aurora. The possibilities for the development in the economic zone are endless — tourism, clean energy, agri-aqua and manufacturing, to name a few, are some of the industries that have been identified to benefit from our strategic position,” APECO president and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV said, on why Pacific Impact chose APECO.

This news article, authored by Jing Villamente, was first featured on Daily Tribune on 17 May 2024. To continue reading, please visit the original publication on this link.

APECO secures P1.2-B investment for bamboo plantation

The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) will have a fourth locator that will invest around P1.2 billion by leasing 5,000 hectares of land for bamboo planting.

The Kapwa Agroforestry Corporation (Kapwa) intend to develop the 5,000 hectares into bamboo plantation tapping together the local community to showcase the Filipino world-class bamboos.

At the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) late Wednesday (27 March) at the BGC Seda Hotel, both APECO and Kapwa agreed that bamboo will soon emerged as the most sought construction material, replacing other variety of wood that will become scarce.

Pax Doromal, Kapwa's President and Chief Executive Officer, said their partner, the Rizome Philippine is the leading manufacturer of eco-friendly bamboo building materials in the Philippines.

"Bamboo will soon be a replacement for wood, as a building material," Doromal told DAILY TRIBUNE, pointing that 'Rizome PH.' is already exporting their bamboo products from their manufacturing plant in Cagayan de Oro.

Doromal also hinted that talks with local airport and hotel makers are also in the offing, for them to supply bamboo construction materials.

This news article, authored by Jing Villamente, was first featured on Daily Tribune on 28 March 2024. To continue reading, please visit the original publication on this link.

APECO temporarily suspends visa issuance

The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) announced on Thursday that it has temporarily halted the issuance of visas as part of an internal audit and review by the new APECO Administration led by President & CEO Gil G. Taway IV. This measure is effective immediately.

This was after the agency found that the existing protocols and processes need to be revisited in order to provide the service in a more efficient, effective, and appropriate manner.

Under the APECO charter created by Republic Act No. 9490, as amended by Republic Act 10083, APECO is authorized to issue an Investor’s Visa to foreign nationals who will invest at least US$150,000 in the economic zone and who meet the other entry requirements.

Taway on the other end said that at this time, APECO is drafting guidelines and streamlining the process for visa application to allow potential investors to come into the country and to experience for themselves what APECO has to offer.

“We do not take lightly the responsibility of issuing visas and it is high time to go back and to understand why APECO was given such privilege. APECO will only be issuing visas to serious investors moving forward. Our interest is to provide this incentive only to those who truly share in our vision of growth and progress for the Filipino people, most especially of our communities in Aurora,” Taway explained.

This news article, authored by Jing Villamente, was first featured on Daily Tribune on 29 February 2024. To continue reading, please visit the original publication on this link.

APECO gains triple deal

Moving to APECO is the academy’s way of expanding the flying school business to accommodate more students, foreign or local.

A third potential locator had expressed its commitment to start a project at the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority in less than a month.

At the simple ceremony of the signing of the investment agreement, early evening Tuesday at Luxent Hotel in Quezon City, APECO president and CEO Gil Taway IV, said the entry of the third new investor, the APG International Aviation Academy, or APGIAA is a sign that investors saw that the economic zone “is a prime location for growth, best location to build and expand business.”

“I want our message to be clear: APECO is primed for growth. My team is ready and able to find the best way to integrate your business into our portfolio. APECO is the best location to build, to grow, and to expand your business and we know that there is a place for any company that shares our vision of a brighter Filipino tomorrow with APECO,” Taway said in welcoming officials of APGIAA.

Capt. Arnel Miguel, APGIAA president, on the other end, said their academy in 1999 has established itself as a leading school offering unique, low-cost, multidisciplinary programs for success in the international aviation industry and has produced more than 3,000 graduates (mostly foreign students) in the country “who have seen rapid success in their careers.”

This news article, authored by Jing Villamente, was first featured on Daily Tribune on 23 February 2024. To continue reading, please visit the original publication on this link.

Aurora Pacific Economic Zone gets new RE investor

Manila, Philippines - The entry of Amaris Energy, after the Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation, is a ‘turning point’ in catalyzing the rapid growth of the area in support of the existing energy demand of present locators.

The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority has another investor, the Amaris Energy Inc., which will develop a 100-megawatt power plant utilizing renewable energy from natural resources in the area.

At the signing of a memorandum of understanding at the Cocoon Hotel in Quezon City Monday, APECO president Atty. Gil Taway IV said the entry of Amaris Energy, after the Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation, is a “turning point” in catalyzing the rapid growth of the area in support of the existing energy demand of present locators while allowing new investors to come in.

“This collaboration signifies a turning point for our Ecozone, as we embark on a path towards sustainable progress and energy security,” Taway said.

“Our partnership with Amaris not only supports our existing infrastructure but also paves the way for incoming investors in our Ecozone. We are proud to contribute to the national goverment’s vision of energy security specially in the far-flung provinces of our beautiful country,” he added.

This news article, authored by Jing Villamente, was first featured on Daily Tribune on 7 February 2024. To continue reading, please visit the original publication on this link.

Taking back control and putting the house in order

Casiguran, Aurora - Immediately after taking office, PCEO Taway proceeded to direct the Engineering and Environment Safety Division under Engr. Ryan V. Baliat to undertake the necessary works to bring APECO infrastructure to its former glory. The incoming management saw the paltry state of APECO offices that have been left in a poor state of disrepair, with rust and corrosion on the railings, access to the beach hampered, and worse, APECO employees being forced to work in cramped office spaces because the Administrative Building (Admin Bldg) - government property intended for government work - was leased out by previous management to a locator.

Correcting this error, PCEO Taway was able to return the Admin Bldg to APECO and convince the previous occupant to undertake the necessary repair of the facilities at no cost to the government, including that of the finished beach cottages (pictured above), staff house and villas. Repair of the facade of the staff house and villas is likewise underway, being undertaken by the EESD. Aside from saving on costs, PCEO Taway was able to collect 18 Million pesos in arrears without filing cases, showing his deft and precise management skill in dealing with people.

Rehabilitation efforts began as soon as PCEO Taway took office, prioritizing the facilities that would be used for the Christmas Village Lighting. This included the construction of nipa-hut inspired concessionaire stands on the beach ground overlooking the canal, where a new bridge was built and lit up.

Continuous efforts have likewise been continued for the preparation of the grounds for various events and are ongoing as of time of writing. Repair works have expanded to include the canals and continue to the lagoon area, where PCEO Taway envisions the creation of unique tourist attractions such as gondola rides for APECO’s own ”Little Amsterdam”. Bamboo gardens are also envisioned to surround the inland lagoon, for a “Little Kyoto” experience.

Securing APECO’s Future 100 Days and Beyond

Manigong bagong taon sa lahat!

I would like to begin this message by expressing my gratitude to the Board of Directors of APECO. I pray that I may humbly offer my skill and dedication towards the progress of the DiCaDi area, the Province of Aurora, and the Filipino people.

In taking over this role, I asked myself two things: what can I bring to the table and more importantly what future can I see for APECO. To answer the first question, I bring an inclusive and consultative manner of management, this is not my kingdom, for I am no king, I am a humble steward entrusted to grow and develop the Ecozone and I vow to remain open to everyone so that my tenure shall be one of shared prosperity.

As to the second and more difficult question, I had to begin by looking at why APECO was initially conceived, what APECO has achieved until the present, and what I believe APECO can accomplish. APECO is an area with so much promise. While ecotourism remains a part of our identity, we plan to add other growth pillars to catalyze rapid development in the area. Under my management, we shall support the programs of the Marcos Administration to contribute to food security, energy security, and national security as a whole by supporting the defense industry sector.

My team and I reviewed what initially was identified as target industries for initial investors, we reconsidered existing locators, and we planned the way forward. While there is infinite potential, we must still focus our time and energies on the most efficient and effective route of finding results and steering progress.

Towards Food Security we have identified the Casiguran Sound and its access to the Philippine Rise as an untapped natural resource that can support the cultivation of a strong fishing and fish processing industry. Regarding Energy Security, while the infrastructure is continuously being built considering our location we have identified that APECO can be the heart of the Philippine green energy revolution. We will explore the potential for wind, hydro, solar, and other forms of energy that can supply the ever-growing demand not only of the area but of the country as a whole.

Finally, the strategic location of our Ecozone safely tucked behind the Sierra Madre mountain range offers a blank and secure canvas where a highly sophisticated industry that supports our gallant Armed Forces, National Police, and other security sector partners can grow and flourish. We envision APECO to be the first Defense Hub of the country where we can help bolster and support any effort our country and our key allies may need.

2024 marks 17 years for APECO and by 2027 APECO would continue to make its mark for the Philippines.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang APECO!

APECO, PADC collab for dev’t

Quezon City, Philippines - Two government corporations, the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) and Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation (PADC), have bonded together over the weekend for development.

At the signing of their Letter of Agreement at the Luxent Hotel on Friday, APECO president and CEO Atty. Gil Taway said their collaboration "is born out of shared vision and a common commitment to the self-reliant defense posture, AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) modernization, and more broadly ensuring the security of our nation while contributing to economic growth and sustainable development for all."

The partnership, according to Taway, will establish maintenance, repair, overhaul, facilities for aerospace equipment, and air assets of the countries security forces "as well as our partners in the private sector and civil aviation."

*APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil Taway and PADC President and CEO Atty. Raymond Mitra

For his part, Atty. Raymond Mitra, PADC President and CEO, said the location of APECO is "strategic" for them, to have facilities and units of the Philippine Navy, Coast Guard, and PNP Maritime Unit who are guarding our Pacific Eastern seaboard and the vast expanse of Philippine Rise."

Taway said they "will explore various joint undertakings within the Ecozone, such as joint ventures and consortia with other corporate entities that the PADC has, or any other viable contracts."

"APECO will provide the land, while PADC will contribute to the development and operation of commercial and utility projects within the zone," Taway added.

The agreement covers 25 hectares of APECO's over 12,900 hectares of economic zone. Details of the contract as well as the lease expenditure will now be ironed out as the two goverment corporations agreed to push for the collaborations.

This news article, authored by Jing Villamente, was first featured on Daily Tribune on 21 January 2024. To read the article, please visit the original publication on this link.