The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) has acquired an additional 12 hectares of land in Barangay Esteves, Casiguran, Province of Aurora, a major step for the development of the existing APECO Airstrip into a commercial airport, which will connect the Casiguran-based ecozone to the global investment market.
APECO President and Chief Executive Officer Atty. Gil G. Taway IV sealed the deal with landowners Atty. Edward Chua Cham and Magdalena Chua Cham in a ceremonial signing of agreement in Quezon City on June 17, 2025. They also signed on behalf of Mr. George Chua Cham, brother of Atty. Edward Chua Cham.
Under the agreement, the Chua Cham family graciously donated 5.2 hectares of land to APECO, representing half of the Casiguran airstrip located in the economic zone, and sold an additional 6.8 hectares to APECO.
“APECO’s potential to do more depends on the amount of land we administer. In our continuing land acquisition efforts, we were left with higher rates beyond the zonal valuation. APECO, however, was able to acquire the property from the Chua Cham family at 50 percent less than the previous buying rate, which we consider highly advantageous to the government,” President and CEO Taway said.
“Their contribution strengthens our capacity to realize inclusive economic development for the people of Aurora. Their generosity is a testament to the growing public support APECO’s current direction, a powerful vote of confidence in our goal of Bagong APECO,” he added.
For his part, Atty. Chua Cham said donating and selling their land are their family’s way of supporting APECO’s vision of bringing progress and opportunities in the northeastern part of Luzon.
“We believe that the development of the APECO Airport is not just a project for Casiguran, it is a project for the Filipino people. This is our small way of contributing to nation-building. We have seen how determined the current administration and APECO’s leadership are in driving economic development in Aurora. We hope that our gesture encourages others to support projects that aim to uplift communities and boost economic development,” he said.
The APECO Airport is a critical infrastructure project that will significantly improve accessibility to Aurora and the northeastern Luzon economic corridor. The operationalization of the APECO Airport is also aimed to boost investments and trade by providing direct air links for business travelers, investors, and cargo. In the tourism sector, it will also open up APECO’s natural tourist attractions, including beaches and its rich biodiversity, which will attract more visitors and create livelihood and employment for local communities.
In February 2025, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) inspected and assessed the condition of the Casiguran airstrip. The visit paved the way for recommendations for the issuance of a Permit to Operate (PTO).
“We are working with CAAP and other key agencies to fast-track this project. The APECO Airport will not only serve as a gateway to Aurora but it will be a gateway to new opportunities for the Philippines,” President and CEO Taway said.
