(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.
(28 April 2025 - Parañaque, Manila) - The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) reaffirmed its dedication to upholding the highest standards of good governance, transparency and accountability following a successful annual exit conference conducted by the Commission on Audit (COA) last 28 April 2025 at the APECO Satellite Office in Parañaque City.
The audit was led by Supervising Auditor Director Ms. Tess Celpo Guevarra and Audit Team Leader Ms. Lannette Bautista, alongside team members Ms. Ingrid Cuento and Ms. Mely May Villanueva. Representing APECO were President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV; Deputy Administrator Mr. Angelo Gabriel D. Mantuano; Corporate Planning Division Manager Ms. Ma. Cristina G. Suaverdez; Engineering and Environmental Safety Division Manager Engr. Ryan V. Baliat; OIC-Admin Division Manager Mr. John V. Socito; Community Relations Unit Chief Ms. Luzed Ann J. Jandoc; and additional representatives Engr. Gillian Julian, Ms. Jennelyn Mamat-lalo, Ms. Lovely Lorane Esteves, Mr. Melvin Aquino, and Mr. Oscar Beynard Gilbert Gutierrez.
During the conference, APECO actively engaged in meaningful discussions with COA, addressing audit findings, clarifying specific issues, and reviewing recommended improvements aimed at enhancing financial management and governance practices.
While recognizing several findings highlighted by COA, APECO was commended for proactively implementing corrective measures to resolve previously identified concerns and demonstrating clear commitment to achieving timely and effective outcomes. APECO fully embraces the opportunity to further strengthen its processes and governance frameworks based on COA's valuable feedback.
"We acknowledge the importance of addressing each finding promptly and thoroughly," stated APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV, "our commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability is unwavering, and we remain dedicated to aligning fully with COA’s recommendations. We value COA’s meticulous guidance, and we are determined to leverage this audit to significantly improve our operational efficiency and transparency."
APECO is committed to promptly undertaking corrective actions aligned with COA’s recommendations and will regularly report on its progress to ensure continued transparency and to build public trust.
APECO expresses sincere gratitude to COA for its consistent guidance and ongoing support in fostering a culture of integrity, transparency, and fiscal responsibility within government agencies.
In photo (L-R): APECO Deputy Administrator Mr. Angelo Gabriel D. Mantuano, DBM Secretary Hon. Amenah F. Pangandaman, APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV
(15 April 2025 - Malacanang Palace, Manila) The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) extends its sincerest gratitude to Honorable Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman for graciously welcoming APECO President and CEO, Attorney Gil G. Taway IV, and Deputy Administrator Angelo Gabriel D. Mantuano during their courtesy visit to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
During the visit, APECO proudly showcased its ongoing efforts in enhancing transparency, efficiency, and accountability within its operations. These initiatives were positively received by Sec. Pangandaman who praised the significant strides APECO has taken towards good governance. Recognizing the alignment of APECO's mission with broader national objectives, Secretary Pangandaman encouraged APECO to actively participate in the Open Government Partnership (OGP) movement in the Philippines.
The OGP is an international collaboration aimed at promoting transparency, empowering citizens, and harnessing new technologies to strengthen governance. Established in 2011, it has grown to include 77 countries, with the Philippines proudly among its founding members alongside Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, Norway, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Secretary Pangandaman serves as the Chairperson of the OGP initiative in the Philippines, demonstrating the government's firm commitment to open and accountable governance practices.
APECO’s alignment with the DBM's transparency initiatives underscores its dedication to uphold high standards of integrity and openness in governance. By participating in the OGP, APECO commits to furthering these principles, fostering increased public trust, and contributing to sustainable economic development in the region.
For further details on DBM's initiatives under the Open Government Partnership, please visit https://ogp.dbm.gov.ph.
In photo: APECO and TGVDC executives ground break on the site where a seafood processing plant, an ice plant, and cold storage facilities will be built.
(30 April 2025 – Casiguran, Aurora) – The new era of growth, collaboration, and industry development continues to emerge for the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) as two (2) domestic investors officially broke ground in the Casiguran-based economic zone. Looking to build major infrastructure projects, namely 70 villas with 10 leisure amenities and a full-cycle marine food processing facility, Central Sierra Hotels Resorts, Inc. (CSHRI) and TGV Development Corporation (TGVDC) allocated approximately P185 million in investments towards these projects with a target of 6-8 months to be fully operational.
“Today marks not only the groundbreaking for our investors, CSHRI and TGVDC, but also marks the transformation of APECO from a once non-performing government agency to a true catalyst of change whose purpose remains to be in service of the Filipino people,” said APECO President and CEO, Atty. Gil G. Taway IV, during the groundbreaking ceremony, “more than a year ago we took on this challenge together, the challenge to turn around APECO. There is much we’ve accomplished but there is even more that we dream for, there is more to work for.”
One of APECO’s new strategic directions is to establish itself as the Fishing Capital of Luzon due to its strategic location facing the Pacific Ocean, with exclusive access to the Philippine Sea and the Philippine Rise. Towards this goal, TGVDC is constructing several infrastructures to support the commercial fishing imperative of the economic zone, specifically an ice plant, a cold storage facility, a food processing center, and docking and boat facilities. Further positioning APECO as the Phili[ppines’ next premiere tourism destination, CSHRI is set to open seventy (70) villas, ten (10) designed as luxury accommodations, along with small marina berth facilities capable of handling boats ranging from 10 to 35 feet.
“APECO has always been in our radar as a potential site for our commercial activities but it was only under Atty. Taway’s administration that we were truly convinced to pursue a venture here,” shared Mr. Rene G. Tayag, President and CEO of TGVDC and CSHRI, “I admire the speed and transparency at which Atty. Taway and his team conduct business which truly reflects their passion to discover economic opportunities for Casiguran, and for Aurora.”
With APECO’s unwavering commitment to progress, it is poised to become a significant player in both the regional and national economic landscapes. Backed by dynamic partnerships and inspired by a bold vision for the future, APECO continues to attract meaningful investments that foster innovation, generate employment, and uplift the local community. The groundbreaking festivities stand as a testament to the trust placed in APECO’s new leadership and to the promise of a brighter future anchored on progress, collaboration, and inclusive growth for Aurora.
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.
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(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.
Special assistant to Philippine president leads CREATE MORE roadshow
A top Philippine official on economic affairs encouraged Korean investors to seize growing opportunities in the Philippines, citing a sweeping tax reform law and a new wave of infrastructure and industrial initiatives that he said will drive long-term growth.
“Our message is clear: The Philippines is primed for investments, and we want the world to take notice,” Frederick D. Go, special assistant to the president of the Philippines for investment and economic affairs, said during a keynote address at the Philippine Business Forum in Seoul, Monday, highlighting the first stop of the country’s CREATE MORE international roadshow, under the slogan "Making Investments Happen in the Philippines."
The event was hosted by the Philippine Board of Investments (BOI) and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Seoul and organized by the Philippine Embassy in Korea, the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs and The Korea Times.
Go emphasized his country’s landmark corporate recovery and tax incentives for enterprises to maximize opportunities for reinvigorating the economy, or CREATE MORE Act, signed into law four months ago as a “game-changer” for foreign investors.
“It signals to the world that the Philippines is open for business,” Go said. “We offer 14 to 27 years of fiscal incentives — income tax holidays, enhanced deductions and special corporate income tax — with up to 40 years for highly desirable projects.”
Korea remains one of the Philippines' most important economic partners, Go said, noting that in 2024, Korea ranked as the Philippines’ fourth-largest trading partner, sixth-largest source of net foreign direct investment and second-largest source of approved investments.
Go said he held talks with Korea's Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Minister Ahn Duk-geun prior to the forum and will meet with top executives at Korean firms to “explore collaborations in high-growth industries such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, mining and advanced manufacturing.”
The CREATE MORE Act is already yielding results, Go said, with 1.9 trillion Philippine pesos ($33 billion) in registered investments in 2024 alone.
“It enhances the ease of doing business, reduces costs and creates predictability — factors that boost confidence among you, our partners.”
He cited additional benefits under the law, including 100 percent power expense deductions and a 50 percent reinvestment allowance for manufacturing and tourism firms.
The Philippine government is also aggressively improving its business environment, passing the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code, modernizing capital markets and privatizing three major airports in less than three years.
“In less than two years, we enacted the PPP law after 29 years, implemented short selling after 27 years, and rolled out the Manila International Airport as a PPP project,” he said. “This administration really means business.”
Go highlighted that the country’s Build Better More program includes 212 flagship projects worth nearly 9.8 trillion Philippine pesos, with 48 ready for PPP investments.
He also highlighted the nation's improving macroeconomic fundamentals, including a 5.6 percent average GDP growth over the past two years, declining inflation (down to 1.8 percent in March), a record-high 48.8 million employed Filipinos in 2024 and rising credit outlooks from international ratings agencies.
“We are committed to what we call the ‘Road to A,’” Go said, referencing the administration’s goal to achieve an A-credit rating from a major agency before the end of its term in 2028.
Key sectors targeted for foreign investments include semiconductors, mineral processing (particularly nickel and copper), pharmaceuticals, food and agriculture, steel, renewable energy, infrastructure and tourism.
He pointed to the Luzon Economic Corridor, anchored by the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas freight railway, as a critical logistics hub attracting interest from Korea, as well as the U.S., Japan, the U.K., Australia and Sweden.
Go celebrated the close cultural ties between Filipinos and Koreans.
“Koreans frequent our country to experience our attractions and hospitality. Likewise, we Filipinos have embraced Korean culture with great enthusiasm — from K-pop and K-dramas to cuisine and electronics.”
The Philippines and Korea cemented their economic ties further with a free trade agreement that entered into force in late 2023, which Go called a “historic milestone.”
“As we look to the future, the Philippines is no longer just open for business — it is the place to invest, expand and thrive,” he said. “To our Korean partners and investors, now is the time to create more — more investments, stronger partnerships and greater opportunities for shared success.”
The original news article was first featured on The Korea Times on 8 April 2025. To view the original article, please click here.
(08 April 2025, Seoul, South Korea) - Philippine officials made a fresh pitch to Korean companies to invest in sectors ranging from defense to clean energy, highlighting new incentive packages and strategic opportunities during a business-to-business meeting (B2B) held at the Korea Chamber of Commerce in Seoul on Monday.
The event, held on the sidelines of the Philippine Business Forum, was aimed at boosting bilateral economic cooperation and drawing Korean firms into the Philippines’ ambitious push for industrial modernization.
Gene Angelo Ferrer, the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone's manager of the Business Development and Marketing Division, said, “We’re looking for locators and investors in the Philippines."
"With the meetings we have now, we hope to ensure that the Philippines and Korea have balanced trade — and beyond that, strengthen the defense industries of both countries.”
Ferrer said the Philippine government has adopted a “self-reliant defense posture” policy, seeking to develop a domestic defense industry with technological support from allies like Korea.
“We just had a meeting with Starcom, which specializes in anti-drone technology,” he said. “Given the proximity of the Philippines to the Pacific Ocean and the West Philippine Sea, this type of technology would be a huge asset — especially if tensions escalate.”
Vivian Santos, deputy director general for operations at the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), highlighted that recently passed legislation provides long-term incentives for foreign investors, particularly those in the high-tech and sustainability sectors.
“This new law has put the Philippines in a better position than before,” Santos said. “If a project is considered highly desirable with a minimum investment of $1 billion, it can receive up to 40 years of incentives — including potential presidential subsidies.”
She added that PEZA provides “red carpet treatment” for investors. “We are a one-stop, non-stop shop. Once you invest in PEZA, you only deal with us for all permits,” she said.
Santos also urged Korean tech giants to expand operations in the Philippines, pointing to Samsung’s existing presence in the country. “We know how big Samsung is. Most of their major investments were in Vietnam, but maybe now is the time to look again at the Philippines for expansion.”
Patrick Aquino, director of the energy utilization management bureau at the Philippine Department of Energy, also made a strong case for Korean companies to tap into the country’s clean energy and electric vehicle sectors.
“Well, of course, the Philippines is a growing economy,” Aquino said. “We’d like to get investments and encourage investments in power generation, specifically electric vehicles. We have really good legislation and policies in place.”
Aquino noted ongoing discussions with Korean firms in battery storage, EV components and mineral processing for energy storage.
“We’re echoing the robust incentives coming in the EV incentives strategy,” he said, “to further enhance the value proposition of bringing in those capacities locally,” Aquino said.
He also revealed that the Philippine government is in discussions with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power following a memorandum of understanding signed last October.
“We’re pursuing further talks for a feasibility study on potential nuclear power projects,” Aquino said. “That’s something I’m also following up on during this visit.”
Among the Korean firms attending, energy and defense companies expressed growing interest in the Philippines as a regional base.
“Our fuel cell business has mostly been in Korea and the U.S., but we’re looking to expand into Southeast Asia,” said a representative of a Korean fuel cell company. “The Philippines stands out due to high electricity prices and island-based cities with weak grid connections. Our distributed power systems could be a great fit.”
A Korean defense company representative echoed that sentiment, noting the island nation’s maritime vulnerabilities.
“Given that the Philippines is surrounded by sea, there’s strong interest in strengthening their defense sector,” the official said. “We see this as an opportunity to expand through local partnerships.”
The original news article, written by Kim Hyun-Bin, was first featured on The Korea Times on 8 April 2025. To view the original article, please click here.
(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.
