APECO Partners with PADC for Defense Hub

25 Hectares of Ecozone Eyed for Drones and Aerospace Development

Quezon City, Metro Manila – The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) has signed a letter-agreement to explore a partnership and sets the agreement in principle with the Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation (PADC), a GOCC under the Department of National Defense. Signing in behalf of APECO was President and Chief Executive Officer, Atty. Gil G. Taway IV with counterparty signed by PADC President and Chief Executive Officer, Atty. Raymond L. Mitra on January 19, 2024 at the Luxent Hotel, Quezon City.

More than the infusion of capital and investment, this endeavor is seen to boost the local economy with the creation of new jobs and other allied business ventures such as logistics. The signing marks a new dawn for APECO as it pivots towards supporting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr’s Administration thrust for Food Security in safeguarding the Philippine Rise and its vital fishing and aquatic resources, Energy security as it develops green energy development initiatives, and SRDP with its partnership with PADC to create a defense industry hub for aerospace and air defense.

The agreement between APECO and PADC shall begin the series of formal steps to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement, Lease Agreement, and Investment Contract covering at least 25 hectares of the Industrial Zone of the Ecozone. PADC, as a main proponent of the Self-Reliant Defense Posture Program (SRDP) and a driving force behind AFP modernization has identified APECO, given its strategic location and careful planning, as the future home of its Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul operations for air assets of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, and other private clientele.

The Ecozone has an existing airstrip with facilities for general aviation that can already accommodate military aircraft and chartered flights, but is being prepared for expansions and upgrade for civil aviation and commercial operations. Located in Casiguran sound, South of Motyong point, the angling of the airstrip makes it ideal for flights with tailwinds coming from the Northeast during the Amihan season and the Southwest during the Habagat season.

PADC investment in APECO shall also house its new flagship drone program that seeks to introduce new defense capabilities and force multipliers for the AFP and the key allies of the Philippines called the “PhAero” program with their flagship Lawin Drone platform, and shall work closely with APECO to attract Original Equipment Manufacturers to also locate in the area and bring development.

The signing was also reported by four media outlets, the Daily Tribune, the Journal Daily news online, Malaya Business Insight and the Catanduanes Tribune.

APECO Pays Courtesy Visit to Mayor Angara

Baler, Aurora - The President and Chief Executive Officer Atty. Gil G. Taway IV, Deputy Administrator Angelo Gabriel D. Mantuano, and members of the APECO Executive Committee Engr. Ryan V. Baliat, OIC Operations, Dir. Ma. Cristina G. Suaverdez, Corporate Planning, and Ms. Luzed Anne J. Jandoc, Community Relations, made a courtesy call to the Office of Mayor Rhett Ronan T. Angara, along with Mr. Pio Garayblas who advises on Business Development matters.

While APECO is in the Dinalungan, Casiguran, and Dilasag (DiCaDi) area, the current overland routes for transportation from most of the country would be passing by the provincial capital of Baler. Baler also houses the Office of the Governor who sits as an ex officio member of the Board ofAPECO.

Mayor Angara graciously welcomed the APECO visit and discussed potential partnerships with the Ecozone such as land routes and possible sea routes to and from Baler to the DiCaDi area to expedite travel. This is a promising start for APECO where the political center and future economic and industrial center have already touched base and are exploring mutually beneficial growth opportunities.

APECO Consults with IP Chieftains

Casiguran, Aurora – The President and Chief Executive Officer, the Deputy Administrator, and members of the Executive Committee held a consultative meeting with the Indigenous People Community Chieftains. The current management thrust to diversify tourism products available in the Ecozone was balanced with the need to respect and protect the customs and traditions of the IP Communities. PCEO Taway presented the various initiatives that are being launched by the Ecozone, beginning with a Cultural Mapping to be conducted on January 25-26 which shall focus on identifying tangible and intangible heritage sites. Key IP representatives were: Dada Vita Banayad, Regina Eneria, Zyra Dela Cruz, Tersing Bitigan, Leverito Tulio, Jerome Gonzales, and IPMR Armando Dela Cruz.

*IP Leaders (Left) meeting with APECO EXECOM members (Right) heeaded by PCEO Taway at rehabilitated Cottages.

This initial meeting also highlighted the need for increased partnership and cooperation with the IP Communities, and PCEO Taway assured them of their continued involvement with APECO. “Kailangan po tayo ay magkakasamang uunlad. Hindi po pwede na kapag dadami ang ating investor ay sila-sila o kami-kami lang ang aasenso. Dapat po tayong lahat ay makakadama ng pagunlad” was the rallying cry of PCEO Taway.

“Sa tagal na po ng APECO, ngayon lang po kami nagkaroon ng pagkakataon na makausap naming ang Pangulo [ng APECO] ng ganito na sinasama kami sa pag-paplano.” they said in response to the consultative approach of current management. APECO is likewise expanding its Corporate Social Responsibility programs and has identified priority projects along with the chieftains on Education and Water facilities in the San Ildefonso Peninsula that comprises most of APECO Parcel 2.

APECO Lights Up Christmas Season with Beachside Bazaar

Casiguran, Aurora – APECO under the direction of Atty. Gil G. Taway IV, the new President and Chief Executive Officer (PCEO) of APECO, launched a Christmas Village lighting with the bazaar showcasing local food and beverage businesses belonging to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The bazaar opened on December 15, 2023 and closed on January 5, 2023. Open from Friday to Sunday, the Christmas Village was a nightly event with live music and acoustics showcasing local musical talent.

*APECO Christmas Village Beachside Bazaar Visitors

The Christmas Village lighting ceremony was held at 6:00 p.m. with messages from APECO Board of Directors Chairperson, Atty. Anelyn C. Ciudadano, the Mayor of the Municipality of Dinalungan, Hon. Manuel A. Torres, APECO Director Rene G. Tayag, the APECO Deputy Administrator Angelo Gabriel D. Mantuano, and PCEO Taway. Mayor Torres assumed office as a member of the APECO Board as of January 2024 taking over from Hon. Mayor Joe P. Gorospe who served on the Board for 2023. The lighting ceremony culminated in all lights of the corporate campus being shut off and a countdown to the actual lighting. PCEO Taway calls this as symbolic, that “things are darkest before the light dawns”. The simultaneous opening of all Christmas lights and booths was met with resounding applause. It was followed by a fireworks display under the supervision of the Bureau of Fire Protection.

*APECO Christmas Village Fireworks Display

The Christmas Village is the first event held by the new management and marks the opening of APECO to the public once again following a long period of closure to the public. “Bukas po ang APECO para sa lahat, hindi po namin kayo haharangan, ang ating gate ay hindi po sarado sa inyo, dahil ang APECO ay ginawa para sa mamayan ng Aurora, at lalo na para sa mamayan ng DiCaDi”, said PCEO Taway in his speech.

Safety during the opening was ensured by elements of the 2nd Mobile Force of the Philippine National Police under the command of PLTCOL CIELO L CALIGTAN, as instructed by PCOL MYLES ANGEL S PASCUAL, Provincial Director of the PNP Aurora. The Christmas Village was formally closed on January 5, 2024 being serenaded by the up and coming band Arya who toured all the way to APECO from Manila, a signal that APECO is becoming a destination for artists and those with creative pursuits.

The event was organized primarily by the Corporate Planning Division under the leadership of Director Ma. Cristina G. Suaverdez and assisted by Ms. Luzed Anne Jandoc of the Community Relations Division. Administrative support was likewise provided by Mr. Anthony T. Valencia, OIC, Admin & Finance.

Infrastructure works, ground preparation, and the lighting that received praise online was spearheaded by Engr. Ryan V. Baliat, Engineering and Environmental Safety Division Manager, who was designated as OIC, Operations on January 11, 2024.

APECO Receives Blessing from Casiguran Parish Priest

Casiguran, Aurora - PCEO Taway visited the Parish of the Municipality of Casiguran headed by Reverend Father Ariel Loterte. Sharing their experiences as fellow Bicolanos, he promised that the APECO management shall be a driving force towards improving lives and instilling good values into the community. PCEO Taway further shared that CSR shall be geared towards assisting the Municipalities of DiCaDi, and wanted to extend partnerships with all leaders of faith so that their religious constituencies can all benefit from such programs, which Rev. Fr. Loterte expressed support for.

APECO Vows Deeper Cooperation with Mayor Soriano

Casiguran, Aurora - On December 13, 2023, the APECO team headed by PCEO Taway and DA Mantuano and their technical team paid a courtesy call to honorable Mayor Roynald S. Soriano of the Municipality of Casiguran.

The Municipality encompasses a vast portion of the APECO jurisdiction located in Brgy. Esteves that holds Parcel 1 of the Ecozone covering 496 hectares.

In their open and honest conversation, Mayor Soriano relayed his concerns to the new management with how APECO operated for the past years, which PCEO Taway vowed to correct. Going further, he issued his heartfelt desire to strengthen the bonds of partnership between the Ecozone and its home municipality. “Kahit po hindi pa kami bahagi ng APECO nung panahon na iyon, nais po namin na humingi na ng paumanhin kung hindi po naging ganun ka-open ang nakalipas na management sa inyo. Sa akin pong pamumuno, pinapangako po namin na mananatiling bukas ang APECO at hindi po ito magiging sarado para sa mamamayang DiCaDi, lalong lao na sa mga taga-Casiguran.”

More than the promise of open facilities, APECO management promised to create deeper cooperations with the Municipality. Initial points discussed were the partnerships to operate and expand the Dibacong Fish Port, where PCEO Taway stated that the policy for fishing industry locators would be two-fold: First, fishing operations must include processing within the Ecozone so that it would not primarily be extractive in nature. Second, fishing operations and processing operations must not have any negative environmental impact on the beach landscape that serves as the pride and joy and seasonal industry driver for the municipality.

Furthermore, APECO is proposing entering into an MOA with the Casiguran Sanggunian and Mayor Soriano for the development and operation of the Dibacong Fishport, which is currently under study. This proposed MOA is a 180-degree pivot from the previous treatment that the Municipality received, as APECO strives to uphold its vow to become more consultative.

Finally, APECO is proposing having cooperation for shared first responders and other Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations, so that resources for these efforts can be shared to the municipality in times of need.

APECO Talks with PNP for Public Safety and Security and Training Facilities

Snappy Salute to PNP Aurora!

Baler, Aurora – APECO President and Chief Executive Officer Atty. Gil G. Taway IV and the Deputy Administrator Angelo Gabriel D. Mantuano, with key members of the APECO Team, paid a courtesy visit to the PNP Provincial Director, PCOL MYLES ANGEL S PASCUAL on December 13, 2023 in their provincial headquarters in Baler, Aurora.

PCOL PASCUAL graciously welcomed the APECO contingent and promised to assist the management in ensuring the safety and security of the events and locators inside the Ecozone. The snappy Colonel immediately ordered the PNP 2nd Mobile Force to deploy for the Christmas Village lighting ceremony who deployed and made the visiting public feel safe and secure in their new home for development, industry, and recreation.

APECO Management and PNP Aurora are also exploring possible partnerships with training facilities to be made available inside the Ecozone. Currently, the Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, and Philippine National Police all have designated sites within the Ecozone, but APECO PCEO Taway and PCOL PASCUAL discussed the possibility of expanding PNP facilities to accommodate for special training grounds for the PNP Maritime Group in Parcel 1.

APECO Temporarily Suspends Visa Issuances

APECO has ceased the issuance of visas effective on November 3, 2023, until further notice in a Public Advisory issued by the President and Chief Executive Officer. It is likewise conducting a review of all previously issued Visas: Working Visa, APECO Special Residence Visa, and Investor’s Visa

Under the APECO charter created by Republic Act 9490 as amended by Republic Act 10083, APECO is authorized to issue Investor’s Visas to foreign nationals who will invest at least US$ 150,000.00 in the Economic zone and would meet the entry requirements. Following the issuance of the Public Advisory, the issuance of the Investor’s Visa is also suspended until further notice.

The public is reminded of the temporary suspension and is encouraged to report any person representing that they can issue such Visas on behalf of the Ecozone. Reports shall be treated with confidentiality and due care to protect the identities of the reporting persons