Casiguran, Aurora - The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) proudly inaugurated three landmark infrastructure projects that significantly advances the attractiveness and preparedness of the Economic Zone for industry and commercial enterprises. The ceremony marks a transformative moment for APECO, demonstrating the new administration’s unwavering commitment towards accountability and transparency as well as its resolve to steer APECO in the right direction.
“President Marcos gave a clear directive that we should complete all the abandoned projects amounting to almost P800M and today APECO answers the call. Beyond addressing past challenges, PBBM also directed us to improve APECO’s performance as an investment promotion agency. Our first step to generate forward momentum is to make APECO investment ready. This means investing in foundational infrastructures that are necessary to support the entry of industries. Our strategic direction now is to transform APECO to become the fishing capital of the north, a renewable energy center, and the Philippines’ first national defense hub, and these would only be possible with the proper preparations,” said APECO President and CEO (PCEO) Atty. Gil G. Taway IV.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., shared the abandoned projects and how APECO under PCEO Taway IV was addressing them in his speech in Baler, Aurora last 12 July 2024.
“We acted without delay, terminated existing contracts and re-bid them to remedy the situation. Today, we inaugurated two (2) of those formerly unfinished and abandoned infrastructure projects and introduced APECO’s Boat Café, a new tourism attraction for Casiguran,” continued APECO PCEO Taway IV.
With a total combined project cost of P55M, the first completed project is the Sewage Treatment Plant Project Phase 1 with a cost of P28M and the second project is the Fire Station with a total project cost of P27M. The Fire Station project itself is composed of P14M allotted for the infrastructure component and P13M for the procurement of a fire truck, a rescue vehicle and an ambulance which are already undergoing procurement. The Fire Station shall bring significant benefits to APECO and to the nearby local barangays by providing enhanced protection and reducing the risk from fires and other emergencies.
The Sewage Water Treatment Plant Project Phase 1 (STP 1) is part of four major fresh water supply projects that were left abandoned. STP 1 has a capacity of treating 250 cubic meters of waste water and is a major investment in environmental management, sustainability and ensuring fresh water is available for locators and the surrounding municipalities. It will address critical environmental challenges and sets a benchmark for sustainable development in the region.
While pivoting to industry, APECO is not abandoning the tourism sector. PCEO Taway IV has re-launched the Corporate Campus Development Program (CCDP) and has commenced developing a two hectare property into a series of lagoons with navigable canals showcasing green spaces in preparation to become a mixed tourist and commercial space, called “Little Kyoto/Little Amsterdam project”.
The first addition to the CCDP is a tourist attraction called the Boat Café, whose backdrop captures the beauty of the Casiguran Cove and the magnificent APECO Sunrise. Reconstructed from a derelict boat, the freshly inaugurated Boat Café is a fitting symbol of APECO’s resurrection. Situated just by the APECO Beach Fairgrounds, the instagrammable venue provides a serene environment for visitors to enjoy gourmet food and beverages while taking in picturesque views of the jaw-dropping location.
“The introduction of the Boat Café is expected to bring significant benefits to APECO and to Casiguran. It aims to attract tourists, boost local businesses, and create job opportunities within the hospitality sector,” concluded PCEO Taway IV.
The Boat Café is a testament to APECO’s vision of blending economic development with cultural enrichment and shall be the first of many for the CCDP. By investing in unique and engaging projects, APECO continues to enhance the attractiveness of Casiguran and support the overall growth of the province of Aurora.
