(14 July 2025, Baler, Aurora) — The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) is strengthening its coordination with key government agencies as part of its efforts to further improve its operations by implementing organizational restructuring as well as addressing land acquisition and consolidation issues and tax-related matters.

President and Chief Executive Officer Atty. Gil G. Taway IV recently met with three officials in Aurora, namely Civil Service Commission (CSC) Provincial Director Seymour R. Pajares, Register of Deeds Registrar Atty. Sharon R. Teh, and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) District Officer Juvy S. Dela Peña to ensure that APECO’s work aligns with the broader government policies and legal processes.

“These meetings reflect our continuing effort to work closely with oversight agencies and local offices, aligning with the President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. administration's whole-of-government approach. Our clear alignment on processes, from human resources and land to taxation, helps ensure that we can carry out our mandate effectively,” PCEO Taway said.

The APECO chief discussed with Dir. Pajares the agency’s ongoing organizational review and efforts to regularize qualified personnel in accordance with civil service rules. The meeting also tackled necessary documentation and timeliness for full compliance with CSC standards.

He also met with Atty. Teh to review issues regarding land titling, transfer processes, and legal documentation for acquired and consolidated properties within the economic zone.

PCEO Taway’s discussion with RDO Dela Peña centered on tax policies and obligations applicable to the agency and its current and prospective locators. The dialogue also aims to identify next steps for ensuring compliance and streamlining coordination between APECO and BIR.

APECO’s coordination with government partners is essential as the agency moves forward with institutional reforms under the banner of Bagong APECO.

(11 JULY 2025, Casiguran, Aurora) — Residents of Casiguran can look forward to more livelihood opportunities as the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region III formalized their partnership to develop marine resources.

APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV and BFAR-III Director Mr. Wilfredo M. Cruz signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the APECO Administration Building in Brgy. Esteves, Casiguran on 11 July 2025 to build both salt-making and seaweed production facilities, to explore a legislated marine hatchery, and to establish a vessel monitoring system intended to promote sustainability in the Philippine Rise and Philippine Sea.

“Bagong APECO continues to find new allies; today we formally welcome BFAR as our partner for development. By working together on key projects, we are laying the foundation for sustainable livelihoods, local enterprise development, and stronger food security for Casiguran. These initiatives aim to empower our local communities and transform Casiguran into a hub for marine-based investments towards our direction to become the Fishing Capital of the Pacific,” PCEO Taway said.

Under the MOU, both parties target to develop a one hectare inland salt production facility introducing the latest technologies to the region, building on the existing salt-drying installations in the ecozone’s Parcel 2, specifically in Brgy. Cozo. The facility is intended to produce high-quality artisanal salt for both local consumption and export.

Estimated investment for the one hectare salt production facility is estimated at PHP10 million and can generate 30 direct jobs for the community.

APECO and BFAR-III also plan to develop commercial-scale seaweed farming in the northern bays in Brgy. Diniog, Brgy. Dalugan, and Brgy. Cozo in Parcel 2 of the economic zone. The initiative will introduce both cultivation practices and drying facilities to an estimated one-half to one hectare of land for each of the three barangays. The harvested seaweed is intended for culinary use and export, creating new income streams for local communities.

Further, both agencies look to collaborate for the establishment of another one-hectare inland marine hatchery within the ecozone. The facility will focus on rearing fingerlings for distribution to fish farming areas outside Casiguran. Designed for year-round operations, the hatchery will follow a three- to four-month production cycle per batch, supporting both local aquaculture development and regional supply needs. Estimated investment for the marine hatchery ranges between PHP40 million and PHP50 million for one hectare.

Apart from livelihood activities, the MOU establishes a strategic partnership between APECO and BFAR-III for the development of a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) covering the Eastern Seaboard and the Philippine Rise. The system is expected to strengthen maritime surveillance and support the development of future port facilities. Controlled access may be granted to civilian and security agencies as needed.

On the same day, BFAR and APECO did a sea trial for the Doña Aurora vessel, an initial step in strengthening coastal surveillance and fisheries monitoring in Casiguran and nearby waters. 

“Bagong APECO is truly a welcome development for our region, for Central Luzon. There were many plans initiated before but it is only now that BFAR can confidently say that we are on the same page with APECO for genuine, sustainable development in Aurora,” Director Cruz said.

“With APECO’s present infrastructure development priority, we believe Caisguran can set an example for other coastal areas in the country,” he added.

(10 July 2025, Casiguran, Aurora) — After decades of exclusion, several Indigenous Peoples (IP) community leaders in Casiguran are now standing in support of the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority’s (APECO) vision and renewed direction as the current leadership embraces  transformative governance to give all stakeholders a voice in deciding the economic zone’s future.

During the opening of APECO Week 2025 on 09 July, 2025, IP and community leaders shared how their perception of APECO changed since APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV took over in October 2023.

IP Chieftains’ Association of Casiguran Local Government Unit President Mr. Jerome Gonzales said APECO had earned his trust following the agency’s efforts to assist the IPs in acquiring their Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT), some of which had been pending since 2007.

“Isa rin ako sa mga hesitant na pumasok sa APECO during the previous years,” Mr. Gonzales said in his message during the APECO Week 2025.

“Kung may doubt pa ako, 20 percent na lang. Nasa passing rate na. Kasi nanguna ang APECO para mailabas na ang titulo ng ancestral domain… Sa kalaunan, tayo po ay magkakaroon ng negosasyon para maging maayos ang samahan ng bawat isa, dahil kami po ay umaasa sa inklusibong pag-unlad na kasama po kami,” he added.

Dibet Barangay Captain Jesus O. Cezar also shared that he was one of the most vocal critics when APECO started 18 years ago, even sharing that he joined anti-APECO rallies before.

“Noong nag-umpisa ang APECO, isa ako sa number one na naging critic ng APECO,” Capt. Cezar said, “Ngayon po, isang malaking pasalamat at malaki iyong inyong pagtingin at tiwala sa mga katutubo.”

Under PCEO Taway’s leadership, APECO has undergone a major transformation, earning the trust of local Dumagat, Agta, and other IP groups, who for years expressed concerns over exclusion and lack of consultation.

Among the initiatives of APECO in strengthening its relationship with the IP communities are the establishment of an IP Desk in its headquarters, PCEO Taway’s quarterly consultations with IP communities, assisting them to acquire their CADT, and increasing employment opportunities through the “Bantay Gubat” program, or environmental stewards to safeguard ecological areas within and around the ecozone.

In fact, APECO’s IP Desk Head Regina Eneria, an Agta leader, was among the strongest critics of the investment promotion agency.

Ms. Eneria recalled that her strong opposition to APECO in the past was rooted in the lack of consultation and communication between the previous management and the indigenous communities.

“Ako po noon, matindi akong kaaway ng APECO. Totoo po ‘yon. Noon, galit ako sa APECO,” she said, adding that the absence of dialogue and transparency led to fear and uncertainty among her fellow Agta—fear that they would be excluded from development plans or worse, displaced from their ancestral lands.

“Pero tama po kayo Pres. (Taway), na ‘yong lupa, ang karagatan, bigay ni Lord para sa lahat. Subalit may mga tao Siyang itinalaga para mag-alaga doon para nandoon ‘yong respeto sa lahat,” she said.

“Hindi po masasabing hindi nakatulong ang APECO. Nakakatulong po siya talaga,” she said, adding that their salary helped them in sending their children to school.

Mr. Gonzales, Capt. Cezar, and Ms. Eneria shared that their communities now feel that they are being seen and heard.

Aurora IP Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Randy Salo and Casiguran IPMR Casiguran Zyra Dela Cruz also graced the APECO Week 2025 and expressed their statement of support to APECO.

“The Bagong APECO is not just a change in leadership—it’s a change in mindset. We listen first, we always consult, and we act together with the communities,” PCEO Taway emphasized.

This renewed partnership reflects the core principles of what PCEO Taway calls “transformative governance”, which is anchored in unity, mutual respect, and shared progress.

(9 July 2025, Manila) - The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) will go on a mission trip this November to attract investment from Spain and Portugal for big ticket infrastructure projects, such as the Casiguran Seaport and the APECO Airport.

In a statement on Tuesday, APECO said its president and chief executive officer, Gil Taway IV, met recently with Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines Miguel Utray Delgado and La Cámara (Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines) Executive Director Ascension Lillo-Martin.

APECO said Taway conveyed the investment promotion agency’s intention to forge stronger economic ties ahead of the anticipated Philippine-European Union (EU) free trade agreement (FTA).

“The mission forms part of APECO’s ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships with global stakeholders, invite foreign direct investments, and position the ecozone as a new strategic transshipment hub in Southeast Asia,” Taway said.

The mission, he said, will showcase APECO’s development-ready sites, investment incentives and emerging opportunities in key sectors such as infrastructure, tourism, agriculture, fisheries, renewable energy, logistics and defense.

It is part of APECO’s preparation to take full advantage of the opportunities the Philippines-EU FTA will unlock, he added.

“By strengthening linkages with Spain and Portugal, nations with a rich history of trade and innovation and globally recognized leadership in port operations and development, we aim to position APECO as a transshipment hub for European businesses looking to expand into the Asean region,” Taway said.

The agency said it acquired last month an additional 12-hectares of land in Barangay Esteves, Casiguran to support the transformation of its existing airstrip into a fully operational commercial airport.

Meanwhile, the proposed Casiguran seaport is envisioned to be a vital gateway for trade and commerce, positioning it as a strategic hub for local and international businesses, especially in the agro-industry, renewable energy, defense and tourism, among others, APECO added.

The original news article was first featured in Malaya Business Insight by Irma Isip. To view the article, click here.

(8 July, 2025, Baler, Aurora) — The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) is set to embark on an investment mission to Spain and Portugal this November to attract European investors and forge stronger economic ties ahead of the anticipated Philippine-European Union Free Trade Agreement (PH-EU FTA).

During the celebration of the 23rd Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day in Baler, Aurora on July 7, APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV met with Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Miguel Utray Delgado and La Cámara (Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines) Executive Director Ascension Lillo-Martin.

PCEO Taway conveyed to the Spanish envoy the investment promotion agency’s plan to hold a business mission to Spain and Portugal later this year in hopes of finding investors for the economic zones’ big ticket infrastructure projects namely the Casiguran Seaport and the APECO Airport.

The mission forms part of APECO’s ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships with global stakeholders, invite foreign direct investments, and position the ecozone as a new strategic transhipment hub in Southeast Asia.

The APECO chief emphasized that the mission will showcase the ecozone’s development-ready sites, investment incentives, and emerging opportunities in key sectors such as infrastructure, tourism, agriculture, fisheries, renewable energy, logistics, and defense.

For its outbound mission, APECO eyes to engage in investor roundtables, and meetings with chambers of commerce, development partners, and government officials in both countries.

“This mission is part of APECO’s preparation to take full advantage of the opportunities the PH-EU Free Trade Agreement will unlock. By strengthening linkages with Spain and Portugal, nations with a rich history of trade and innovation and globally recognized leadership in port operations and development, we aim to position APECO as a transshipment hub for European businesses looking to expand into the ASEAN region,” PCEO Taway said. 

Last month, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Allan Gepty led the Philippine delegation to Brussels for the third round of PH-EU FTA negotiations.

PCEO Taway noted that APECO’s ongoing transformation under the "Bagong APECO" agenda prioritizes transparency, accountability, and inclusive growth, which are values that resonate with European investors seeking ethical and sustainable business destinations.

The investment mission also reinforces President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s broader agenda of leveraging economic zones to drive countryside development while aligning with global trade dynamics.

APECO’s planned visit to Europe marks another milestone in its commitment to revitalize the ecozone, attract foreign investments, and create more economic opportunities for Aurora and the greater Luzon corridor.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.