The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) said it will start construction of its airport terminal by the first quarter of 2026 to pave the way for commercial flight operation while an updated feasibility study of its seaport, strengthening its bid to become the Philippines’ “Gateway to the Pacific.”
APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV highlighted the twin airport and seaport projects as he delivered the State of APECO Address (SOAA) last Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, at the main office in Casiguran, Aurora.
Despite limited resources, Taway underscored that the agency has “regained trust and relevance” two years after being tasked to revive the ecozone.
For the airport, Taway reported that APECO’s airport is nearing completion of CAAP (Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines)-recommended corrective measures. With the completion of the corrective measures, the ecozone
expects a Permit-to-Operate.
Construction of the terminal building has been set for first quarter of 2026, paving the way for commercial flights.
For the maritime development, APECO signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Yooshin Engineering Corporation of South Korea last October to update the feasibility study of the Casiguran International New Port, strengtheningAPECO’s bid to become the “Gateway to the Pacific.”
Investment hub
PCEO Taway also highlighted that APECO is “officially back in the investment map,” noting an increase in investor inquiries and successful investment missions abroad.
Two major Spanish companies, Fira Barcelona and IDOM, are set to sign Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with APECO to explore the development of a food and cold chain logistics hub, port modernization, and a world-class convention and exhibition facility under the authority’s
tourism and MICE strategy.
APECO also partnered with KADIN Indonesia, leading to the first APECO Business Forum aimed at attracting foreign investors into the ecozone.
The APECO chief also emphasized the shift toward integrated agro-industrial and fisheries value chains, ensuring that farmers and fisherfolk directly benefit through post-harvest, processing, and packaging facilities.
He also reaffirmed APECO’s ambition to become the country’s first National Defense Manufacturing Hub, focused on civilian defense industries such as ammunition, drones, and equipment manufacturing. A recent ocular visit by the Department of National Defense affirmed APECO’s strategic advantage for national defense-linked investments.
Strengthening APECO’s WorkforceAPECO announced a series of internal reforms including agency reorganization, regularization efforts, establishment of an APECO Employees’ Cooperative, creation of a Provident Fund, and additional compensation for skilled workers under the Big Brother Program.
“These reforms ensure fair wages, manageable workloads, and long-term financial security for our employees,” Taway said.
Other major Infrastructure gains include the substantial progress on PHP800 million worth of previously abandoned infrastructure projects.
Governance
In addition, Taway proudly reported that APECO now stands on a stronger foundation built on transformative leadership, community inclusion, and transparent governance, evidenced by two consecutive positive findings from the Commission on Audit.
He reported unprecedented collaboration with Indigenous Peoples (IPs), farmers, fisherfolk, and local government units. Regular quarterly consultations with IP chieftains, the establishment of an IP Desk and IP Lounge inside the ecozone, and the facilitation of long-pending CADT applications, which are now approved by the NCIP, were highlighted as key achievements.
APECO also strengthened ties with the Provincial Government of Aurora and the municipalities of Dinalungan, Casiguran, and Dilasag, aligning development plans for the broader DiCaDi Growth Corridor.
