16 September 2025, Casiguran, Aurora — Some 277 individuals graduated Monday from the joint Computer Literacy Program of the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Fil-Chi Love and Care Foundation, Inc., which equipped beneficiaries with the fundamental knowledge and skills to effectively use computers and related technologies.

Amid accelerating digitalization, the program underscores the urgency of equipping the local workforce for the demands of modern industries. The training covers practical technology use, from basic hardware and software knowledge to troubleshooting and digital communication, enabling participants to work more efficiently and adapt to evolving workplace requirements.

This helped APECO in positioning its host communities of Dinalungan, Casiguran, and Dicadi as a digitally competent talent pool in an increasingly tech-driven economy.

“In APECO, we are preparing the groundwork for our investors—road network, support infrastructures, water, and power. As I’ve always said, ‘power precedes progress’, but progress is only possible when we have a ready and competent workforce,” APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV said.

“By equipping our local communities with essential digital skills such as internet use and word processing, we not only improve their employability but also prepare them to contribute meaningfully to our ecozone’s growth,” he added.

Of the 277 graduates, 35 were APECO employees, reflecting the agency’s commitment not only to community development but also to upskilling its own workforce, which is part of PCEO Taway’s Big Brother Leadership.

TESDA and Fil-Chi Love and Care Foundation played a crucial role in the successful implementation of APECO’s computer literacy and skills training program. They provided 40 sets of laptops and 20 desktops for use during the month-long training sessions, ensuring that participants had access to the technology necessary for hands-on learning. In addition, a dedicated technical support team assisted in the smooth facilitation and implementation of the program, while transportation was arranged to bring the team from their point of origin to APECO and back, ensuring logistical efficiency.

APECO complemented these efforts by providing comprehensive support to both the technical team and program participants. The ecozone offered room accommodations and sustenance for the TESDA team throughout the duration of the training, as well as the venue, necessary equipment, and fixtures to conduct the sessions effectively. APECO also deployed its community relations workforce to assist in program administration and facilitation, selected the beneficiaries, provided advocacy and promotional materials, and organized the awarding of certificates to all participants, ensuring recognition of their achievements.

“We are delighted that the Fil-Chi Love and Care Foundation and APECO are aligned in our shared vision of upskilling the workforce in anticipation of the arrival of locators and investors, while also helping individuals improve themselves and increase their employability. Across Luzon, the Foundation has already produced 45,000 graduates, a clear reflection of Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy to strengthen relationships with its neighboring countries, including the Philippines,” PCEO Taway said.

The APECO chief added that the investment promotion agency is also exploring deeper partnerships with Taiwanese companies and looks forward to continued engagement with the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) to further promote the Aurora ecozone as a potential expansion hub for Taiwanese firms.

Moreover, APECO is also finalizing its partnership with TESDA in enhancing the skills of local communities, ensuring that residents are equipped with the technical knowledge and practical competencies needed to meet the evolving demands of industries and support the ecozone’s sustainable growth.