(27 March 2025, Manila) - The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) was recently invited to participate in the CREATE MORE Domestic Roadshow event, organized by the Office Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). 

Secretary Frederick D. Go, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, led the roadshow which shall also have foreign legs to different international markets. In his keynote address, he recognized APECO’s resurgence and highlighted its growing role in the foreign investment landscape. His remarks underscored the potential of APECO as a key player in both domestic and foreign trade investments given the Casiguran-based investment promotion agency’s new strategic directions on food security, energy security, and national security while maintaining its tourism identity and investing in key port infrastructures namely the APECO Airport and Casiguran Seaport. This recognition signals a new chapter for APECO, attracting interest from international commercial entities and foreign representatives eager to explore investment opportunities in the economic zone.

A significant outcome from APECO’s participation was continued engagement with international representatives and foreign business chambers and groups. Notably, Commercial Counsellor Volkan Göller of the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey sought to introduce a Turkish defense industry manufacturer to APECO for an exploratory meeting. Additionally, APECO had a chance encounter with the Japan Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Inc. (JCCPI) where discussions with the incoming Chamber President Mr. Kazuhiro Nomura and Secretary General Mr. Hisatoshi Yada led to an invite to APECO to join the prestigious chamber as an associate member.

Looking ahead, APECO is set to participate in the foreign legs of the CREATE MORE Roadshow starting with the Republic of South Korea. Through the guidance and support from the OSAPIEA and Board of Investments (BOI), APECO is confident that it can establish its own identity that’s distinct yet complementary to the other Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) in the Philippines. With a proactive approach and patient resolve, APECO is poised to become a premier investment market for trade and investment both domestically and internationally.

In celebration of the 2025 Women's Month, the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) actively supported various initiatives highlighting the achievements and contributions of women to nation-building. Aligning advocacy with its imperative for inclusive development, APECO is preparing infrastructures for M.I.C.E. (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) activities that would celebrate not only Gender and Development (GAD) and Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) programs but also other advocacies that are necessary for the holistic development of the agency and its community. These M.I.C.E. infrastructure projects would allow APECO to support many advocacies by hosting strategic planning sessions, trainings, conferences, and other related activities that will truly benefit the region and our country.

This March, Ms. Luzed Anne J. Jandoc, APECO Community Relations Chief and Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Person, served as the Guest of Honor during the Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation (PADC) Women's Month Program where discussions and activities focused on advancing gender equality in the workplace and on society. The program emphasized the importance of empowering women in the workplace, the community, and the nation, aligning with APECO's mission to foster inclusive development internally as well as towards the community.

Further, APECO took part in the 2nd Inter-Agency Women's Forum hosted by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) with Ms. Jandoc and other members of the Community Relations Unit representing the investment promotion agency. With the theme “Recognizing Women’s Leadership in Key Sectors: A Path to Equality, Inclusivity, and Empowerment,” the forum gathered advocates from various agencies to promote gender equality, empower women, and advance inclusivity across key sectors. By participating in the event, APECO further advanced its commitment to gender advocacy and its dedication to providing opportunities for women in leadership, entrepreneurship, and various sectors of the economy. The forum provided a platform to celebrate women's successes, share challenges, and explore solutions for a more inclusive future.

Earlier this year, APECO also hosted the 1st APECO Sunrise Fun Run in January which also saw singlets carrying the message #WeAreVAWCFreeEcoZone. The sports event also provided a space for women to showcase their athletic skills, physical endurance, and teamwork. It was a reminder that women continue to break barriers in various fields, from sports to public sevixe. APECO's support for such initiatives encourages not only fitness but also the empowerment of women in all aspects of life, reinforcing the organization's ongoing dedication to celebrating and advancing gender equality.

APECO remains committed to fostering a future that is gender-fair, inclusive, and responsive to the diverse needs of all stakeholders.

(21 March 2025, Casiguran, Aurora) - The Engineering and Environmental Safety Division (EESD) of the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO), led by EESD Manager Engr. Ryan V. Baliat, recently conducted a site inspection for the Phase 2 of the installation of Underground Power Distribution Lines within the economic zone. This initiative is a proactive step by APECO to ensure compliance with regulatory standards set by various government agencies while enhancing the reliability and connectivity of the economic zone’s infrastructure. By transitioning to an underground power distribution system, APECO is reinforcing its commitment to modernizing its utilities and improving its efficiency.

This project plays a crucial role in strengthening the economic zone’s attractiveness to investors by providing more stable and resilient power lines. Underground power systems are less susceptible to outages caused by severe weather conditions, which is especially beneficial in coastal areas like Casiguran. Additionally, this development positively impacts the local community by reducing electrical hazard and allowing nature’s natural beauty to be unburdened. Furthermore, a more reliable power infrastructure encourages businesses to set up operations within APECO, leading to job creation and increased opportunities for residents.

Ultimately, the Underground Power Distribution Line Phase 2 is a strategic investment that aligns with APECO’s mission to foster sustainable progress and regional development. As APECO continues to develop essential infrastructure, it strengthens its position as a competitive and investor-friendly economic hub that benefits both foreign businesses and the local population.

(14 March 2025, Aurora) - The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) continues to prioritize investor-friendly initiatives that reinforce its ease-of-access policy to pioneering investors within the economic zone. APECO President and  Chief Executive Officer Atty. Gil G. Taway IV met with the Aurora Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AURELCO) General Manager Ms. Mary Jaycee Lu Rubio to facilitate a crucial energy agreement with its prospective renewable energy investor, Pacific Impact Development Corporation (PIDC). This collaboration marks a significant step that will allow PIDC’s planned 16-Megawatt Solar Farm project to proceed, which will enhance the energy reliability in the region and support APECO’s push for industry development.

By actively coordinating with AURELCO and key stakeholders, APECO ensures that locators benefit from streamlined processes, community readiness, and local support. This proactive approach, which APECO is making its identity, solidifies the agency’s reputation as an investor-friendly hub where businesses can confidently establish and expand operations with the full support and assistance of the economic zone.

Beyond energy security, APECO remains dedicated to enhancing its overall business ecosystem through infrastructure development, policy incentives, and investor assistance programs. From fast-tracked permits to modernized facilities, the ecozone is designed to provide locators with a seamless entry and long-term growth opportunities. As APECO continues to attract new investments, projects like that of Pacific Impact’s energy project reaffirm its vision of a progressive, sustainable, and business-ready economic hub.

(06 March 2025, Tuy, Batangas) - The Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation (PADC) recently hosted an exclusive flight demonstration where Van’s RV-12 and RV-10 training aircraft were showcased. PADC aims to manufacture both aircraft locally and would be the first Philippine-manufactured planes. APECO, with its strategic location as a possible aviation hub,  was identified to be a prospective partner for PADC’s aircraft production and manufacturing facility as well as a possible venue for their flight schools.

APECO is uniquely positioned to support PADC’s vision of developing a thriving local aviation industry. The economic zone’s growing infrastructure, coupled with its capacity to accommodate large-scale manufacturing and training facilities, makes it an ideal location for aircraft assembly and flight schools for pilot education. By offering a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes for investors, APECO presents a compelling opportunity for PADC to establish a long-term presence and contribute to the country’s aerospace sector.

In order to accommodate the aviation industry, APECO is making the necessary preparations for the commercial operation of its existing 1,365-kilometer airstrip. Expanding on this initiative, APECO is also actively engaging with key stakeholders to further develop Casiguran’s infrastructure, specifically the APECO Airstrip. During the event, Mr. Gene Angelo P. Ferrer, Business Development and Marketing Division Manager, also engaged with other participants and attendees to discuss potential investment opportunities in APECO, including both the APECO Airport and Casiguran Seaport, which are vital to supporting aviation and trade-related activities. With these initiatives, APECO continues to work toward transforming Casiguran into a strategic center for aviation, maritime, and industry growth.

(07 March 2025, Baler, Aurora) - The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO), represented by Deputy Administrator Angelo Gabriel D. Mantuano, engaged in a pivotal meeting with the Provincial Bamboo Industry Development Council (PBIDC) of Aurora. The discussion centered on a possible partnership aimed at leveraging the region’s bamboo industry for sustainable economic development. 

In the meeting, Mr. Mantuano provided an overview of the investment promotion agency’s strategic directions, highlighting potential areas for collaboration that align with both organizations' goals. The dialogue marked the initial step in what is expected to be a fruitful partnership. PBIDC expressed keen interest in exploring synergies with APECO, particularly in utilizing bamboo as a sustainable resource for construction, furniture, and other commercial applications. Both parties acknowledged the significant economic and environmental benefits of strengthening the bamboo industry in Aurora.

This prospective partnership presents a significant opportunity for APECO’s locator, Kapwa Agroforestry Corporation (KAPWA), which is currently planning to develop a 5,000-hectare bamboo plantation in the economic zone. By working closely with PBIDC and local government units, KAPWA can gain access to technical expertise, market linkages, and policy support that will enhance the productivity and sustainability of its operations. Outside KAPWA, APECO is also set to develop a Grand Lagoon which will feature a Kyoto-like bamboo garden.

The collaboration with PBIDC can pave the way for value-added processing facilities, training programs for local farmers, and strengthened supply chains which can position APECO as a key player in the region’s bamboo industry while creating economic benefits for the surrounding communities. More details will unfold in the coming discussions, with a follow-up meeting already scheduled to refine plans and outline actionable steps for collaboration.

(14 March 2025, Baler, Aurora) - In its continued march towards industry  development, the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) met with the Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT) to discuss joint initiatives in research, education, and workforce training — critical factors that will help strengthen Aurora’s growing industry.

In the meeting, APECO President and Chief Executive Officer Gil G. Taway IV, alongside Engineering and Environmental Safety Division Manager Engr. Ryan V. Baliat, met with ASCOT President Dr. Renato G. Reyes to finalize a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that will establish a technical working group focused on industry development. Internship programs and training sessions were discussed as vital avenues that will bridge the gap between academic learning and industry needs.

By leveraging ASCOT’s academic expertise and APECO’s strategic position as an emerging economic hub, this partnership will further strengthen the region’s investment potential, reinforcing APECO’s role as a premier investment market for businesses seeking growth in a dynamic and sustainable economic landscape. This collaboration underscores APECO’s commitment to making initiatives that will foster a favorable business environment conducive to long-term growth not only to foreign investors but also to the local community.

(19 March 2025, Manila) – A new investor in Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) would provide livelihood opportunities for fisherfolk in the province’s Casiguran town by sourcing marine products from them for its cold storage and food processing operation.

APECO President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gil Taway and TGV Development Corp. (TGVDC) president and CEO Rene Tayag signed in Taguig City on Tuesday the investment and lease agreement for the company’s PHP40 million investments for a cold storage and food processing facilities in Casiguran ecozone.

Tayag said the facility, occupying half a hectare in APECO, can process 20 tons of ice tubes and 1 ton of marine products a day.

He said TGVDC would include local fisherfolk in the supply chain by purchasing their fresh catch at a premium to entice fisherfolk to deliver their marine and aquaculture products, such as milkfish, tuna, blue marlin and other species, straight to the company’s plant.

Tayag said part of the cold storage and food processing plant’s capacity will augment the needs of its distribution facility in Clark, Pampanga.

It will also cater to the local demand, including from Central Sierra Hotel Resorts Inc. (CSHRI), which is also led by Tayag and will be investing in APECO.

Tayag said CSHRI is also investing PHP145 million inside APECO to develop luxury accommodation facilities within a 1.5-hectare parcel of land inside the ecozone. The lease and investment agreement was also signed Tuesday.

This brings the total investments of TGVDC and CSHRI in APECO to PHP185 million.

Both projects have a lease term of 25 years and renewable for another 25 years.

Tayag said the Development Bank of the Philippines and the Philippine Guarantee Corp. will be financing both projects.

The cold storage, food processing, and tourism facilities will start construction of the projects next month, with commercial operations being eyed early next year.

“These (projects) will be catalyst of economic development in the area,” Tayag added.

(19 March 2025, BGC) - Two new locators are sinking in a combined P185 million to develop tourism infrastructure and a marine food processing facility inside the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO).

Central Sierra Hotel Resorts Inc. and TGV Development Corp., both owned by President Rene Tayag, will join pioneer locators in APECO, aiming to enhance its tourism and economic appeal.

Both companies signed a lease agreement and investment contract with APECO on March 18, 2025.

The P145-million Central Sierra is envisioned as a three-star hotel with 70 cabin rooms, including 50 deluxe room cabins, 10 bungalow villas and exclusive villas with private pools.

“We will build the marina and introduce 35- and 40-footer boats that can cater to divers and tourists from Metro Manila, allowing travel to the Philippine Rise in less than five hours,” Tayag said.

The development covers a 1.5-hectare area under a 25-year lease agreement with APECO.

Meanwhile, TGV Development is investing P40 million to establish a marine food processing facility on a half-hectare lot and a 20-ton ice tube plant to support Central Sierra.

“We will process tuna, blue marlin, and mainly milkfish, leveraging our long experience in fish processing. Part of the processed products will be supplied to our distribution affiliate in Angeles City, serving clients in the Freeport,” Tayag said.

The facility will initially have a 2-ton cold storage capacity—one ton for daily distribution and the other for businesses requiring storage-due to power availability concerns and high electricity costs.

Tayag said the simultaneous groundbreaking for Central Sierra and TGV Development is scheduled for April 23, 2025, with operations expected to commence eight months later.

Financing for the projects is secured through the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).

“Their investments signify that APECO is ready to unlock its economic potential. These developments are expected to serve as catalysts for tourism promotion and economic activity in APECO, reinforcing its position as a key investment hub in the Northeast Philippines,” Tayag said.

The original news article, written by Othel V. Campos, was first featured on Manila Standard on 18 March 2025. To view the original article, please click here.

(18 March 2025 - BGC, Taguig City)  — With a promise to turnaround the once non-performing investment promotion agency, the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) carried out its mandate with the signing of two local investors in Central Sierra Hotels Resorts, Inc. (CSHRI) and TGV Development Corporation (TGVDC). After months of negotiations and collaborative discussions, both companies have signed lease and investment agreements with APECO ushering in the era of industry development for the Casiguran-based economic zone. Purposely building to become the country’s next premiere tourism destination, APECO is expecting a minimum investment of approximately P145M from CSHRI who is planning to build eighty (80) villas with ten (10) designed as luxury accommodations, and a small marina berth facilities capable to handle boats with sizes from 10 to 35 ft. Towards APECO’s direction to be the Fishing Capital of the Pacific, TGVDC has earmarked P40M as an initial investment to construct an ice plant, a cold storage facility, a food processing center, and docking and boat facilities that can also be used for tourism activities.

“The direction is clear from the beginning: turn APECO around,” said APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV, “APECO should be the catalyst of economic development for Aurora. The entry of CSHRI and TGVDC reflect the confidence in APECO’s current leadership and strategic direction, moreover the belief that Aurora has immense economic potential which is ready to be realized. The future of Aurora is bright, and we are excited to share this journey with investors and locators who have faith in our collective future.”

Under the leadership of PCEO Taway, the investment promotion agency is poised to deliver on its untapped potential and attract local and foreign investments that will drive sustainable economic development, create jobs, and uplift local communities. Since his appointment, APECO has taken on new strategic directions which reflect President Ferdinand Marcos’ thrusts of security in three fronts: national defense, food, and energy. Promising to become a beacon for investment in the Philippines, APECO has likewise been searching for partners to develop the APECO Airport and the Casiguran Seaport.

“Aurora has long been on our radar but it was only with PCEO Taway’s administration that we were convinced that the economic zone is ready for business,” said CSHRI and TGVDC representative Mr. Rene G. Tayag, “we have been monitoring the developments within APECO and we are impressed with what its current management have achieved in such a short period of time: investing in critical and support infrastructures, regaining the trust of the local community, and most importantly, committing to a transparent and honest way of doing business.”

With APECO leadership’s unwavering commitment to progress, it is now poised to become a major player in the regional and national economic landscape for Aurora and the Philippines. The collaboration between the new investors and APECO promises to be a model for potential locators who seek an environment that encourages business, innovation, and sustainable development for generations to come.

The signings are not only a victory for APECO but also a testament to the resilience and determination of the people of Aurora. With APECO’s new strategic direction, the region now has an exciting opportunity to realize its full potential. The future is bright, and the possibilities are endless as APECO embarks on this new chapter of growth, innovation, and prosperity.