The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) has submitted over 40 project proposals to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), including airport construction and development, cold storage, and renewable energy facilities.
APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV announced a new set of projects, following a favorable 2024 audit by the Commission on Audit of its infrastructure development, having completed several long-awaited projects and laying the groundwork for a revitalized investment landscape and improved quality of life for local communities.
“APECO is now positioning itself as a catalyst for regional growth,” said Taway adding that by addressing fundamental infrastructure gaps, the Authority is turning its vision into reality, one building at a time.
According to the 2024 Audit Observation Memorandum (AOM) issued by (COA), APECO successfully delivered a series of critical infrastructure projects that had been stalled or overlooked in previous years. These include the rehabilitation and reopening of the APECO Administration Building in Casiguran, the completion and inauguration of support infrastructures namely the Central Water Supply and Reservoir (CWSR) Phase 1, the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) Phase 1 and the Fire Station as well as the necessary fire fighting equipment, as well as tourism projects specifically the Boat Cafe overlooking the Casiguran Cove and a Dome Tent to enable the ecozone to host various income-generating events. Additionally, significant progress has been made for other key infrastructure projects specially the Underground Power Distribution Lines (UPDL) Phase 1 and 2, CWSR Phase 2, and Ready-for-Occupancy, Ready-for-Fit-Out (RFO/RFFO) office units.
“These infrastructure achievements are not only structural; they are symbolic,” said Taway.
Reopening the Administration Building was crucial for APECO to reestablish its operational presence and authority within the zone. Regaining control of this facility is a key step in restoring credibility, accelerating development efforts, and unlocking the zone’s full economic potential.
Another project was the completed CSWR Phase 1 and the almost finished Phase 2. This critical infrastructure ensures reliable water access for future developments and addresses the foundational needs of a growing economic zone. Additionally, the STP Phase 1 marks another major leap in APECO’s environmental sustainability, ensuring responsible waste management and safeguarding Casiguran’s natural assets
Similarly, the UPDL Phase 1 and 2, which were also reported to be nearing completion, will provide more stable and disaster-resilient electricity—a key consideration for industries and high-tech facilities. The completed Fire Station enhances public safety and emergency response in the zone, a vital asset for both residents and incoming investors concerned with disaster resilience. Meanwhile,
Finally, the development of community and tourism-oriented facilities—such as the Boat Café, the beachfront Dome Tent, and the ongoing APECO Grand Lagoon Project—signal a shift toward inclusive and diversified development. These additions are designed to make the zone more livable, vibrant, and attractive not just to business locators, but also to tourists, workers, and local families.
Previously underutilized, APECO properties which include several executive villas and the APECO Residences have been repaired and were temporarily reopened which generated nearly ₱200,000 in revenues during its one month operation before it was closed for full-rehabilitation and upgrading.
APECO also reported ₱1.449 million in savings from relocating offices to more efficient facilities, with projected savings of an additional ₱5.3 million once the move to its new satellite office is finalized. These savings are expected to fund further infrastructure and development programs.
According to the COA audit, these advancements represent “a departure from previous inaction and form a basis for more consistent institutional progress.”
