About

APECO

ENABLING LAWS

The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority, also known as “APECO”, was created under Republic Act No. 9490 (RA 9490), otherwise known as the “Aurora Special Economic Zone Act of 2007.” The law was later on amended by Republic Act No. 10083 (RA 10083), otherwise amending RA 9490 to be known as "Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Act of 2010".

it is the policy of the State to actively encourage, promote, induce and accelerate the sound and balanced industrial, economic and social development of the country in order to provide jobs to the people, especially those in rural areas, increase their productivity and their individual and family income, and thereby improve the level and quality of their living conditions though the establishment, among others, of special economic zones in suitable and strategic locations in the country and through measures that shall effectively attract legitimate and productive foreign investments.

In pursuit of the foregoing declared policy and subject to the concurrence of the concerned local government units (LGUs) of Aurora affected by the zone, there is hereby established a special economic zone, hereinafter referred to as the Aurora Ecozone.

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.

Aurora became a special economic zone by the passage of Republic Act No. 9490 in 2007. Aurora province stands at the cusp of economic development. It is blessed with natural splendor, and great economic potential. It faces the Pacific Ocean, which makes it an ideal and strategic maritime trade and logistics, making it a potential forefront of international commerce. This makes it a prime location for an economic zone, and more importantly, a Freeport. As a Freeport, APECO adheres to the free movement of goods and services integral to that type of entity's success.

HOW TO GET TO APECO: 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. 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

ENABLING LAWS

HISTORICAL BACKDROP

HOW TO GET TO APECO: APECO’S LOCATION IN THE PHILIPPINES

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