In photo: APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil G.Taway IV welcomes CSHRI & TGVDC President and CEO Mr. Rene G. Tayag to the Casiguran-based economic zone.
(18 March 2025 - BGC, Taguig City) — With a promise to turnaround the once non-performing investment promotion agency, the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) carried out its mandate with the signing of two local investors in Central Sierra Hotels Resorts, Inc. (CSHRI) and TGV Development Corporation (TGVDC). After months of negotiations and collaborative discussions, both companies have signed lease and investment agreements with APECO ushering in the era of industry development for the Casiguran-based economic zone. Purposely building to become the country’s next premiere tourism destination, APECO is expecting a minimum investment of approximately P145M from CSHRI who is planning to build eighty (80) villas with ten (10) designed as luxury accommodations, and a small marina berth facilities capable to handle boats with sizes from 10 to 35 ft. Towards APECO’s direction to be the Fishing Capital of the Pacific, TGVDC has earmarked P40M as an initial investment to construct an ice plant, a cold storage facility, a food processing center, and docking and boat facilities that can also be used for tourism activities.
“The direction is clear from the beginning: turn APECO around,” said APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV, “APECO should be the catalyst of economic development for Aurora. The entry of CSHRI and TGVDC reflect the confidence in APECO’s current leadership and strategic direction, moreover the belief that Aurora has immense economic potential which is ready to be realized. The future of Aurora is bright, and we are excited to share this journey with investors and locators who have faith in our collective future.”
Under the leadership of PCEO Taway, the investment promotion agency is poised to deliver on its untapped potential and attract local and foreign investments that will drive sustainable economic development, create jobs, and uplift local communities. Since his appointment, APECO has taken on new strategic directions which reflect President Ferdinand Marcos’ thrusts of security in three fronts: national defense, food, and energy. Promising to become a beacon for investment in the Philippines, APECO has likewise been searching for partners to develop the APECO Airport and the Casiguran Seaport.
“Aurora has long been on our radar but it was only with PCEO Taway’s administration that we were convinced that the economic zone is ready for business,” said CSHRI and TGVDC representative Mr. Rene G. Tayag, “we have been monitoring the developments within APECO and we are impressed with what its current management have achieved in such a short period of time: investing in critical and support infrastructures, regaining the trust of the local community, and most importantly, committing to a transparent and honest way of doing business.”
With APECO leadership’s unwavering commitment to progress, it is now poised to become a major player in the regional and national economic landscape for Aurora and the Philippines. The collaboration between the new investors and APECO promises to be a model for potential locators who seek an environment that encourages business, innovation, and sustainable development for generations to come.
The signings are not only a victory for APECO but also a testament to the resilience and determination of the people of Aurora. With APECO’s new strategic direction, the region now has an exciting opportunity to realize its full potential. The future is bright, and the possibilities are endless as APECO embarks on this new chapter of growth, innovation, and prosperity.
