Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO), the country’s lone economic zone located in the easternmost edge of Luzon directly facing the Pacific Ocean, is looking for investors to develop a modern seaport with estimated project cost of PHP4.7 billion.
APECO President & CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV announced at the Arangkada Forum on Friday, Sept. 25, 2025, that the APECO is ready to entertain interests to bring economic progress in Casiguran.
Originally, the Korea Eximbank’s feasibility study conducted in 2011 estimated the cost of construction of a seaport in Casiguran of around USD56 million. The cost, however, was adjusted to PHP4.7 billion to factor in inflation.
“We are looking for investors to develop a world-class seaport in our ecozone. Partner with us in building a new and critical logistics hub in the eastern part of Luzon, as we position APECO as a transshipment hub,” Taway said.
APECO manages nearly 13,000 hectares of land. It is 6 hours away by land from Manila.
Advantages
In pitching to investors, Taway cited the ecozone’s location in the northern part of Aurora, which directly faces the Pacific, as its foremost advantage. “It is naturally protected. It is sheltered by the Sierra Madre to the west and the San Ildefonso Peninsula’s mountain range to the east. The Casiguran Cove is known as a safe harbor, providing calm waters for ships even in the face of the strongest typhoons. This geography gives investors confidence that operations will stay safe and resilient year-round,” said Taway in a speech.
“APECO is the only ecozone in the Philippines facing the wider expanse of the Pacific Ocean, directly connecting us with alternate maritime routes to key Asia-Pacific markets like Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, and the United States, and Oceania.”
This means shorter shipping routes for exporters. “While we are helping in decongesting the western seaboard ports and road networks,” he said. APECO has a direct gateway for industries looking to reach the global market faster and more efficiently.
Rebuilding
Taway shared that when he assumed leadership of APECO in October 2023, there were lots of things and issues “some deep rooted challenges” that needed to be addressed.
He noted of abandoned infrastructure projects worth almost PHP800 million, deteriorating facilities and outdated systems, and a POGO locator occupying the administration building, among others.
“This lack of vision and identity strained relationships with key stakeholders—communities, local government units, business partners, and even national agencies— trust had been broken,” he said.
Instead of being discouraged, Taway said the new administration embraced these realities as a starting point for change. Rebuilding that trust became our foremost priority. “Turn APECO around!” was its rallying cry.
Following with President Ferdinand “Bong Bong” R. Marcos Jr.’s direction POGO operations ended in 2024, Taway said they rebuilt trust with communities and stakeholders.
In less than two years, Taway said, they have rebuilt the ecozone with the completion of long-abandoned projects, including vital infrastructures such as vital water and energy. They are updating the Master Development Plan and established an Indigenous People’s Desk dedicated to addressing their concerns and assisted them in securing their Certificates of Ancestral Domain Titles(CADTs) for Joint Development Model.
They are also holding regular consultations with the fisherfolk, farmers, IP chieftains, barangay captains, and local government units to ensure an inclusive approach in Bagong APECO, ensuring harmony between business and the local community.
“These actions signaled to both government and investors that APECO is back, ready to fulfill its original mandate and potential,” Taway said.
But beyond rebuilding, Taway stressed that APECO’s key role for the region and the whole country is its location. “You can build infrastructure anywhere, but you cannot move geography. APECO’s location is our greatest strength,” he said.
Not left behind
As an economic zone and a freeport, Taway said that APECO enjoys the longest tax incentive periods under the CREATE MORE, making it more competitive, especially for companies looking to expand outside Metro Manila.
“It is our commitment to deliver an ecozone that is globally competitive, inclusive, and ready to serve as the Philippines’ true gateway to the Pacific,” said Taway.
Taway also called on all government investment promotion agencies (IPAs) for further collaboration and to embrace all IPAs and “sell as one” and that no IPA is left behind.
