A hybrid executive committee meeting was held on July 1, 2025, with the management team from the headquarters in Casiguran, Aurora virtually joined the on-site meeting of the ExeCom at APECO’s satellite office in Parqal, Parañaque City.
(3 July 2025, PARQAL, Parañaque City) – With a clear vision for transformation, the Executive Committee (ExeCom) of the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) is setting the pace for Bagong APECO, which prioritizes infrastructure, investment, and inclusive development to turn the Casiguran-based ecozone into a future-ready, high-impact growth center in the northeastern seaboard of Luzon.
On July 1, 2025, the management team held its ExeCom meeting to provide updates on ongoing projects and lay out key priorities across infrastructure, partnerships, and stakeholder engagements that reflect the direction of Bagong APECO.
APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil Taway G. IV led the meeting, where several key infrastructure projects were highlighted as pillars of the ecozone’s transformation.
Engineering and Environmental Safety Division (EESD) Manager Engr. Ryan V. Baliat shared the progress of several infrastructure initiatives that will soon reshape the tourism landscape in the northern part of Aurora. These include the reopening of eight executive villas, 20-room APECO Residences, and beachfront villas (JPEC Building), offering a total of 48 rooms. These are all owned, managed, and operated by APECO.
Engr. Baliat also gave updates on the development of the APECO Grand Lagoon featuring 43 glamping tents, a new “Aurora Legends” heritage installation, and the Mercato retail strip. These are designed not only to enhance the visitor experience but also to support tourism-driven growth and investor engagement.
Work is also underway to restore the operational capacity of the APECO airstrip, with corrective measures being implemented as part of its permit application with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines. Additional infrastructure in the pipeline includes ready-for-occupancy and ready-for-fit-out office units, along with preparations for the bidding of the planned APECO Convention Center—an anchor facility envisioned to host future business and trade events in the zone.
To ensure these infrastructure investments translate into economic activity and revenue generation for the government, Business Development and Marketing Division Manager Mr. Gene Angelo P. Ferrer discussed promotional strategies that will position APECO as an emerging destination for tourism and investment, and innovation. These efforts will complement the upcoming launch of APECO’s Master Development Plan, which will serve as a roadmap for APECO’s growth in the years ahead.
Investment promotion remains a top priority, with Deputy Administrator Mr. Angelo Gabriel D. Mantuano presenting updates on current and potential partnerships. Among the most advanced discussions is with Pacific Impact, a renewable energy firm preparing to break ground on a 16.9-megawatt solar power facility within the zone. Another promising partner is a financial technology firm that tokenizes gold and enables its conversion into cryptocurrency for investment and commerce.
Moreover, a Filipino company with an Australian partner is also exploring the development of a training center in APECO, which will help in developing the local workforce to meet the upcoming manpower demand of future locators in the ecozone. The firm also eyes to prepare Filipino workers for deployment and outsourcing opportunities in Australia.
Interest from global players is also growing, with an American company looking to collaborate on a seaport feasibility study and a Turkish firm considering APECO as part of its expansion strategy in the Philippines.
Mantuano also shared that APECO has begun organizational restructuring and to improve efficiency and realign internal systems with its development goals. This streamlining will help position APECO as a more agile and responsive investment destination moving forward.
As part of these reforms, APECO also plans to open additional plantilla positions and regularize qualified personnel, reflecting its commitment to building a stable and professional organization while recognizing the contributions of employees who have long supported APECO’s mandate.
The meeting also provided updates from Corporate Planning Division (CPD) Manager Ms. Ma. Cristina G. Suaverdez, who shared preparations for APECO Week on July 9 to 11. The event will celebrate employees and their contributions to the agency’s mission, reinforcing a culture of service and pride in public work as Bagong APECO continues to take shape.
The CPD is also leading the preparations for the launch of the Master Development Plan.
Community Relations Chief Luzed Anne J. Jandoc outlined upcoming engagement initiatives with the indigenous peoples (IPs) of Casiguran, anchored on sustained dialogue, inclusion, and community-centered development, which is an integral part of APECO’s vision to grow hand-in-hand with local communities.
PCEO Taway emphasized that all these efforts, from infrastructure development and investor engagement to tourism promotion and inclusive planning, are guided by the same strategic goal: to bring to life the vision of Bagong APECO as a catalyst for regional growth and national transformation.
“We are preparing APECO to welcome responsible investors and partners who share our vision. With the right infrastructure and policy direction, Bagong APECO will be a destination of choice in Northeastern Luzon,” PCEO Taway said.
The ExeCom also welcomed new team members who will help drive the mission forward, including Administrative and Finance Department Manager Mr. Rexzon M. Balacano, Executive Assistant to the PCEO Ms. Anna Margarita Tullao, and Public Relations Chief Ms. Kris M. Crismundo. Also present during the meeting were Senior Corporate Planning Specialist Jewel Joy L. Valdez, Principal Engineer C Gillian T. Julian, OIC Finance Chief Jenelyn R. Mamat-lalo, Admin Services Assistant A Oscar Beynard Gilbert Gutierrez, and Corporate Budget Specialist Lovely Lorane O. Esteves.
