In celebration of the 2025 Women's Month, the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) actively supported various initiatives highlighting the achievements and contributions of women to nation-building. Aligning advocacy with its imperative for inclusive development, APECO is preparing infrastructures for M.I.C.E. (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) activities that would celebrate not only Gender and Development (GAD) and Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) programs but also other advocacies that are necessary for the holistic development of the agency and its community. These M.I.C.E. infrastructure projects would allow APECO to support many advocacies by hosting strategic planning sessions, trainings, conferences, and other related activities that will truly benefit the region and our country.
This March, Ms. Luzed Anne J. Jandoc, APECO Community Relations Chief and Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Person, served as the Guest of Honor during the Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation (PADC) Women's Month Program where discussions and activities focused on advancing gender equality in the workplace and on society. The program emphasized the importance of empowering women in the workplace, the community, and the nation, aligning with APECO's mission to foster inclusive development internally as well as towards the community.
Further, APECO took part in the 2nd Inter-Agency Women's Forum hosted by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) with Ms. Jandoc and other members of the Community Relations Unit representing the investment promotion agency. With the theme “Recognizing Women’s Leadership in Key Sectors: A Path to Equality, Inclusivity, and Empowerment,” the forum gathered advocates from various agencies to promote gender equality, empower women, and advance inclusivity across key sectors. By participating in the event, APECO further advanced its commitment to gender advocacy and its dedication to providing opportunities for women in leadership, entrepreneurship, and various sectors of the economy. The forum provided a platform to celebrate women's successes, share challenges, and explore solutions for a more inclusive future.
Earlier this year, APECO also hosted the 1st APECO Sunrise Fun Run in January which also saw singlets carrying the message #WeAreVAWCFreeEcoZone. The sports event also provided a space for women to showcase their athletic skills, physical endurance, and teamwork. It was a reminder that women continue to break barriers in various fields, from sports to public sevixe. APECO's support for such initiatives encourages not only fitness but also the empowerment of women in all aspects of life, reinforcing the organization's ongoing dedication to celebrating and advancing gender equality.
APECO remains committed to fostering a future that is gender-fair, inclusive, and responsive to the diverse needs of all stakeholders.
