Welcome to APECO, where innovation meets sustainability. Established to promote economic growth and development along the Pacific Northeast seaboard, APECO is a pioneering green economic zone. Our mission is to create a thriving business environment that harmonizes with the natural beauty and resources of our region. At APECO, we provide world-class infrastructure, attractive investment incentives, and a commitment to environmental stewardship, making us your ideal partner for sustainable growth and success. Discover how we are shaping the future of eco-friendly economic development.
HISTORICAL BACKDROP
Casiguran, founded on June 13, 1609, is one of the original towns of Aurora Province, established by Spanish missionaries. Prior to Spanish arrival, the Dumagats/Aetas were the early settlers, later joined by migrants from various parts of the Philippines. The name “Casiguran” is believed to originate from the word “kasiguruhan,” colloquially translating to “safety” or “assurance.”
At the time of the Philippines’ independence on July 4, 1946, Aurora was part of Tayabas Province (now Quezon Province), and Casiguran stood as a lone northern town. Geopolitically, Casiguran was bordered by the Province of Isabela to the north, Quirino Province to the west, and Barangay Dinadiawan to the southwest, marking the boundary between the Municipality of Baler and Casiguran.
In subsequent years, political changes reshaped Casiguran’s landscape. In 1959 and 1966, the barrios of Dilasag and Dinalungan, initially part of Casiguran, were established as separate municipalities. Dilasag situated in the northern region, and Dinalungan in the southwestern portion, further defined the evolving administrative boundaries of Casiguran.
GETTING THERE: APECO’S LOCATION IN THE PHILIPPINES
APECO is conveniently situated in the bay area of Casiguran, a naturally protected enclave cradled by the Sierra Madre mountain range and the 12,000-hectare San Ildefonso Peninsula. The bay area is a perfect site against storms.
Northeastern part of Aurora Province, 353 kilometers from the capital city of Manila, and 120 kilometers from Baler, the capital of the province.
Bounded by the Pacific Ocean (southeast), Municipality of Dilasag (northeast), Municipality of Dinalungan (southwest), Quirino Province, and Sierra Madre Mountain ranges (northwest).
There is a fully concreted road network connecting Manila to Casiguran, covering 385 kilometers from Manila and 108 kilometers from Baler. By land, land travel from Metro Manila to APECO takes only five (5) to seven (7) hours through the very scenic route in the Sierra Madre Mountains. From Cubao, Quezon City, you may take a regular air conditioned passenger bus to Baler, Aurora. From Baler, you may take a passenger van to Casiguran. In Casiguran, the host municipality of APECO, the local residents use motorcycles and tricycles as a mode of transportation. The municipal public terminal is located near the municipal public market.
By air, you may also reach APECO by way of private flight. There is a 1,320-meter Casiguran airstrip within the ecozone. There are also four (4) feeder airports in Aurora. One of them is the Dr. Juan C Angara Airport in San Luis, Aurora, which is 7 kilometers from Baler. The nearest major airports are: 1) Clark International Airport in Mabalacat, Pampanga, which is around 265.9 km from APECO, and 2) the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, which is 319 km from APECO. You may also reach APECO by sea from Baler.
There are also four (4) feeder airports in Aurora. One of them is the Dr. Juan C Angara Airport in San Luis, Aurora, which is 7 kilometers from Baler. The nearest major airports are: 1) Clark International Airport in Mabalacat, Pampanga, which is around 265.9 km from APECO, and 2) the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, which is 319 km from APECO.
You may also reach APECO by sea from Baler. Within the area, there is an operational “Roll-on, Roll-off Port (RORO)”.
APECO’s geographic location has a potential for an international seaport, as shown by existing studies by reputable financial institutions.
APECO continues to be under the political ambit of its host Local Government Units, specifically the Congressional District of Aurora, the Province of Aurora, Municipality of Casiguran, and its barangays. Several of the local government executives sit in APECO’s Board of Directors. APECO remits a portion of its revenues to the national and local governments.
Like any ecozone in the country, APECO has its share of opposition from various community groups. They claim that APECO’s Charter suffers legal infirmities, benefits from APECO’s operations will not trickle down to the local population and ethnic minorities, and it will be a cause of graft and corruption. Some even clamored for the closure of APECO. Nevertheless, the appointment of President Gil G. Taway IV, APECO’s new President and CEO, serves as proof that APECO continues to enjoy the trust and confidence of the National Government.