In Photo (L-R): Atty. Jose R. Ruiz III, PFDA Legal Division Chief, Mr. Gene Angelo P. Ferrer, APECO BDMD Manager, and Atty. Edward M. Campos, PFDA Assistant General Manager
(04 April 2025, Quezon City) - Atty. Edward M. Campos, Assistant General Manager of the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA), has expressed strong support for the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) in its plan to conduct a feasibility study for a multipurpose port in Casiguran, Aurora. This proposed study is a crucial step toward the development of the Casiguran Port, a strategic infrastructure project aimed at enhancing trade and logistics within the economic zone.
The initiative was discussed in detail during a meeting between APECO and PFDA officials, led by APECO’s Business Development and Marketing Division (BDMD) Manager, Mr. Gene Angelo P. Ferrer. In addition to the port project, PFDA is also exploring the construction of a solar-powered cold storage facility in the region. This facility is intended to serve not only the fisheries sector but also other agricultural producers, highlighting a broader vision of integrated rural development and food security.
According to Mr. Ferrer, the proposed port and cold storage project aligns with the agency’s goal to expand commercial opportunities within the economic zone. Given Casiguran's strategic location along the seaboard and its proximity to the rich marine and agricultural resources of the Philippine Rise, the development is expected to bring APECO closer to being the Fishing Capital of the Pacific.
“The establishment of the commercial fishing hub stems from the visionary leadership of President Taway, who has long recognized the untapped potential of our coastal communities,” Mr. Ferrer said. “This initiative reflects his commitment to inclusive development and sustainable resource management. However, realizing such transformative infrastructure is not the work of a single office or agency. It is only through the collaboration of various government institutions—each bringing their expertise, resources, and mandates—that we can deliver long-term, impactful projects that uplift the lives of the Filipino people," he added.
Atty. Campos emphasized, “PFDA is committed to supporting APECO’s vision for Casiguran. By working together on this feasibility study, we can ensure that the development of the multipurpose port and cold storage facility not only boosts the fisheries sector but also drives sustainable economic growth in the region.”
The meeting concluded with agreements to draft a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between APECO and PFDA. Both parties also outlined the steps to formally request PFDA’s technical assistance in conducting the feasibility study. Stakeholders anticipate that the study will lay the foundation for mobilizing investments and public-private partnerships to turn these infrastructure plans into reality.
