The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) is positioning itself as an alternative and complementary site for U.S. defense sector investments in the Philippines, offering strategic advantages on the country’s eastern seaboard with direct access to the Pacific Ocean.
APECO made the pitch during engagements with the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council (US-ABC) delegation that visited the Philippines from August 11 to 14, coinciding with the U.S. Aerospace, Defense, and Security (ADS) Mission.
During the reception hosted by U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay L. Carlson in Makati City and the ADS Business Networking in Pasay City, APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV, Deputy Administrator Angelo Gabriel D. Mantuano, and Business Development and Marketing Division Manager Gene Angelo P. Ferrer discussed with U.S. business leaders the ecozone’s viability as a hub for warehousing, expansion projects, and defense-related services, such as MRO (maintenance, repair, and operations) of ships and aircraft.
APECO’s natural harbor facing the Pacific positions itself as a potential site for defense manufacturing companies, particularly those seeking to expand beyond traditional hubs like Subic, while complementing the Philippines’ overall security and economic strategy.
One of APECO’s key assets is its operating airstrip, initially capable of servicing chartered flights. The investment promotion agency (IPA) is also working toward securing a Permit-to-Operate (PTO) from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to formalize operations, which would open the door for potential MRO activities for aircraft.
“APECO offers a strategic location where U.S. defense companies can find room to grow, not in competition with Subic, but in complement to it. Together, these zones can strengthen the Philippines’ role in regional security and economic resilience,” PCEO Taway said.
The APECO chief added that the IPA’s direct access to the Pacific makes it a natural gateway for logistics and defense-related activities.
“The defense sector is a natural fit for us, given our location and resources. We see this as a step toward positioning APECO as not just a local ecozone, but a strategic player in the wider Indo-Pacific landscape,” PCEO Taway emphasized.
The US-ABC mission brought together leading companies across sectors to explore opportunities in the Philippines, underscoring the country’s importance in the regional security and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region.
For APECO, the meetings provided an opportunity to highlight its value proposition as a future-ready site for aerospace, defense, and security projects.
