(18 January 2025 - Prague, Czech Republic) - Following the successful visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to the Czech Republic in the first quarter of 2024, officials of the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) held consecutive meetings with the business sector in Prague and Brno from 25 to 28 November 2024.

Assisted by the Embassy of the Philippines in Prague, the APECO delegation presented the investment opportunities for Czech companies in the Philippines and the advantages of locating in its economic zone and freeport to officials of the Czech Chamber of Commerce, the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic, and the Defense and Security Industry Association of the Czech Republic in Prague. They also met with officials of the Brno Chamber of Commerce and the Czech Water Alliance and visited the Department of Simulation Medicine and Simulation Center of the Faculty of Medicine of Masaryk University in Brno.

Atty. Gil Taway IV, President and CEO, highlighted to the Czech business sector the strategic location of APECO, particularly its direct access to shipping routes in the Pacific, and its fiscal incentives for early locators. His team also stressed the potential of APECO as a defense and security industry hub for Czech companies who intend to expand their operations and markets in the Indo-Pacific region.

The chambers of commerce said that the visit of APECO officials was very timely as Czech companies are now moving from exporting to investing in foreign countries. Among the top three considerations include ease of market entry, favorable tax rates, and competitive labor costs – all of which APECO can provide for Czech companies.

Ambassador Eduardo R. Meñez supported APECO in its thrust to locate Czech companies in its economic zone and freeport, especially as it is in line with the overall national economic and defense security of the Philippines.

The article was first featured on the Facebook Page of the Philippine Embassy in Czech Republic on 18 January 2025. To view the original article, please click here.

Casiguran, Aurora – Marking a pivotal change in the management of the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO), President and CEO, Atty. Gil G. Taway IV, recently submitted a formal position paper to the National Commission of Indigenous People (NCIP) reflecting APECO’s full support for the application of the Indigenous People’s communities from Aurora specifically in Dinalungan, Casiguran, and Dilasag (DiCaDi) for a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT). The CADT is a crucial legal instrument that recognizes the ancestral domain rights of Indigenous Peoples which serves as evidence of ownership over their traditional lands and ancestral domains.

While the CADT is given at the sole discretion of the NCIP, APECO’s new management has decided to redefine the role of the agency to become a key ally of IP communities within the economic zone who have historically been hindered from securing their ancestral land rights.

“The Agtas of DiCaDi have, for generations, served as rightful custodians of their ancestral territory. Their deep-rooted connection to the land is reflected in their traditional practices and way of life. By granting the Agtas a CADT, we not only provide them with the formal recognition they deserve but also empower them to sustain their traditions while ensuring that their rights are respected in all future developments within their territory,” said PCEO Taway regarding the importance of granting CADT for the Agtas.

The initiative underscores APECO’s dedication to not only advancing economic growth within the region but also ensuring that the benefits of this growth are equitably shared. APECO is prepared to provide comprehensive assistance in navigating the complex CADT process and is committed to seeing the process through. In collaboration with the NCIP, various legal experts, and local stakeholders including various IP community leaders, APECO is committed to providing the necessary assistance to finally obtain their CADT, which they have long been waiting for. This is a testament to APECO’s desire to be true partners in development for the IP communities in the DiCaDi area.

“In parallel, APECO remains committed to the sustainable development of DiCaDi and Aurora Province. We firmly believe that recognizing ancestral domains of indigenous communities is a fundamental and crucial step towards realizing this goal. Furthermore, the approval of this CADT application will benefit not only the Agtas of DiCaDi but also will contribute significantly to the broader objectives of sustainable development in the region,” further expressed PCEO Taway.

The initiative aligns with APECO’s broader vision of creating a balanced and equitable development model that prioritizes both economic growth and cultural preservation. By actively involving Indigenous groups in the decision-making process and providing them with the tools and support they need, APECO is setting a precedent for how economic zones can collaborate with local communities to achieve mutual benefits.

Houston, Texas – The Mabini Hall at the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Houston hosted a key meeting on Monday, August 19, 2024, between the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone (APECO), Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce of Texas – Greater Houston Region (PACCTX-GHR), and the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Houston. The event aimed to explore investment opportunities and strengthen economic ties between Texas and the Philippines.

The APECO delegation, led by President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV, delivered a comprehensive presentation showcasing the economic zone’s potential. Business Development and Marketing Chief A Gene Angelo P. Ferrer, and Deputy Administrator Angelo Gabriel D. Mantuano also contributed, covering infrastructure projects, investment incentives, and strategic plans for sustainable development in the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone.

Attendees at the event included board members, officers, and several members of PACCTX-GHR, led by their State President, Atty. Aileen Ligot Dizon. They were joined by representatives from the PCG in Houston. Notable figures from the PCG included Consul General Gunther Emil Sales, Consul Gilbert Segarra, and Vice Consul Maria Tanya Gaurano, who had recently arrived in the city.

Engagement was high, with active participation from attendees who asked pertinent questions and showed keen interest in potential collaborations. This interactive meeting facilitated open dialogue and laid a strong foundation for future partnerships.

Consul General Sales warmly welcomed everyone in attendance, expressing his strong support for trade missions between the U.S. and the Philippines. He emphasized the importance of fostering connections that facilitate business opportunities and promote mutual growth.

The meeting concluded positively with agreements to hold further discussions and follow-up meetings to build on the initial engagement and explore potential partnerships more deeply.

The news article was first featured on Lawin News on 20 August 2024. To view the original article, please click here.

New York City – A delegation from the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO), headed by President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV, officially launched its U.S. investment mission with a courtesy call on Consul General Senen T. Mangalile at the Philippine Center in New York on 12 August. This meeting marked the start of APECO’s initiative to attract investments and forge partnerships with American companies across several states.

During the meeting, Atty. Taway provided an overview of APECO’s strategic initiatives, emphasizing the zone’s unique geographic advantages and its commitment to sustainable economic development. Positioned as the only economic zone in the Philippines with direct access to the Pacific Ocean, APECO has prioritized the growth of its renewable energy sector, agri-aqua industries, and eco-tourism. These initiatives align with global trends toward sustainability and reflect APECO’s dedication to promoting green development.

Consul General Mangalile provided valuable insights into the U.S. market within the Consulate’s jurisdiction, emphasizing key opportunities and potential challenges for APECO as it seeks to engage with American businesses. He reaffirmed the Consulate’s commitment to supporting APECO in its objectives and facilitating successful partnerships throughout its U.S. mission.

This news article was first featured on the New York PCG website on 15 August 2024. To view the original article, please click here.

Washington DC, USA - The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) embarked on an investment mission to the United States of America (US), led by President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV. The investment promotion agency gained a staunch ally in the Philippine Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez who expressed his full support for APECO’s new strategic direction to become the Philippines’ First National Defense Hub and other goals which include establishing itself as the Fishing Capital of Luzon, developing the region as a renewable energy center, and advancing Casiguran, Aurora as the country’s next premiere tourism destination. These new strategic directions are aligned with the priorities of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos' thrusts for national security, food security, and energy security and also reflects the agency’s commitment towards attracting more foreign direct investments.

Upon the instruction of the Ambassador, the Investment team was immediately received by the Defense and Armed Forces Attache, Colonel Roy Anthony O. Derilo, PA, and the Naval Attache, Capt James Francis P. Lugtu, PN as an initial step to link APECO to key players in the US Defense industry.

APECO provides the closest safe harbor to the Philippine Rise and remains as the only economic zone with immediate access to the Pacific Eastern Seaboard. Given the existing disputes in the West Philippine Sea, APECO stands as the logical choice for the country’s national defense agenda. Casiguran’s locational advantage coupled with natural barriers provided by the Sierra Madre Mountain Range and the San Ildefonso Peninsula makes APECO the perfect nexus of the country’s defense industry. Commercial chambers and other industries were also met by the team through the dedicated and tireless efforts of the Foreign Trade Service Corps led by Commercial Counsellor, Mr. Kenneth Yap of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center - Washington, D.C.

In addition to its focus on national security, APECO is committed to enhancing the country’s food and energy security. The Philippine Rise remains an underutilized resource which the country may benefit from when APECO realizes its vision of having its own seaport, which makes port development a top-priority project. APECO also enjoys high potential for renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. Unlocking these sources could see the economic zone providing a significant contribution towards the country’s National Renewable Energy Plan. 

Besides its strategic location, APECO offers numerous advantages for investors. The economic zone is home to a high-quality workforce, known for its skills and adaptability, alongside the benefit of competitive labor costs across all markets. Investors can also take advantage of APECO’s low lease rates and long-term lease options, providing a cost-effective solution for businesses considering growth and expansion as well as those looking to extend their business continuity plans.

APECO is committed to promoting ease of doing business. The organization is dedicated to good governance, ensuring that the entry of businesses into the Philippine market is as seamless as possible. APECO’s streamlined processes and investor-friendly policies are designed to attract and retain foreign investors, such as those from the US. 

APECO is located in Casiguran, Aurora and was established through Republic Act 9490, as amended by Republic Act 10083. APECO is planned to be developed into and operated as a decentralized, self-reliant and self-sustaining industrial, commercial/trading, agro-industrial, tourist, banking, financial and investment center with suitable residential areas. APECO is a government owned and controlled corporation whose purpose is to attract foreign investments, to generate jobs, and to improve social and economic conditions of the local community.

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. 

The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) on Thursday has signed an investor’s agreement with Pacific Impact Development Pte. Ltd. (Pacific Impact).

Pacific Impact, a Singapore-based energy company, intends to establish a renewable energy (RE) project with an estimated investment of $25 million.

Darwin F. Deato, Pacific Impact Philippines vice president, said his company selected Pacific Impact’s development team on the basis of its delivery on Wininvestment for more than 70GW from their previous projects in various countries, including Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Singapore and the Philippines.

Its team has also played key roles in the completion of several RE projects in the country, which include the utility-scale and off-grid solar power projects in Batangas, Busuanga, Occidental Mindoro and Tawi-Tawi.

The company likewise has an existing Wind Energy Service Contract (WESC) awarded by the Department of Energy for a project being developed in Albay.

The wind project is part of the renewable energy projects currently being prioritized under the National Renewable Energy Plan (NREP 2020-2040).

“The entry of Pacific Impact into APECO is a vote of confidence not only in APECO’s current business development direction but, more importantly, in the area of Casiguran, Aurora. The possibilities for the development in the economic zone are endless — tourism, clean energy, agri-aqua and manufacturing, to name a few, are some of the industries that have been identified to benefit from our strategic position,” APECO president and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV said, on why Pacific Impact chose APECO.

This news article, authored by Jing Villamente, was first featured on Daily Tribune on 17 May 2024. To continue reading, please visit the original publication on this link.

The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) will have a fourth locator that will invest around P1.2 billion by leasing 5,000 hectares of land for bamboo planting.

The Kapwa Agroforestry Corporation (Kapwa) intend to develop the 5,000 hectares into bamboo plantation tapping together the local community to showcase the Filipino world-class bamboos.

At the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) late Wednesday (27 March) at the BGC Seda Hotel, both APECO and Kapwa agreed that bamboo will soon emerged as the most sought construction material, replacing other variety of wood that will become scarce.

Pax Doromal, Kapwa's President and Chief Executive Officer, said their partner, the Rizome Philippine is the leading manufacturer of eco-friendly bamboo building materials in the Philippines.

"Bamboo will soon be a replacement for wood, as a building material," Doromal told DAILY TRIBUNE, pointing that 'Rizome PH.' is already exporting their bamboo products from their manufacturing plant in Cagayan de Oro.

Doromal also hinted that talks with local airport and hotel makers are also in the offing, for them to supply bamboo construction materials.

This news article, authored by Jing Villamente, was first featured on Daily Tribune on 28 March 2024. To continue reading, please visit the original publication on this link.

The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) announced on Thursday that it has temporarily halted the issuance of visas as part of an internal audit and review by the new APECO Administration led by President & CEO Gil G. Taway IV. This measure is effective immediately.

This was after the agency found that the existing protocols and processes need to be revisited in order to provide the service in a more efficient, effective, and appropriate manner.

Under the APECO charter created by Republic Act No. 9490, as amended by Republic Act 10083, APECO is authorized to issue an Investor’s Visa to foreign nationals who will invest at least US$150,000 in the economic zone and who meet the other entry requirements.

Taway on the other end said that at this time, APECO is drafting guidelines and streamlining the process for visa application to allow potential investors to come into the country and to experience for themselves what APECO has to offer.

“We do not take lightly the responsibility of issuing visas and it is high time to go back and to understand why APECO was given such privilege. APECO will only be issuing visas to serious investors moving forward. Our interest is to provide this incentive only to those who truly share in our vision of growth and progress for the Filipino people, most especially of our communities in Aurora,” Taway explained.

This news article, authored by Jing Villamente, was first featured on Daily Tribune on 29 February 2024. To continue reading, please visit the original publication on this link.

Moving to APECO is the academy’s way of expanding the flying school business to accommodate more students, foreign or local.

A third potential locator had expressed its commitment to start a project at the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority in less than a month.

At the simple ceremony of the signing of the investment agreement, early evening Tuesday at Luxent Hotel in Quezon City, APECO president and CEO Gil Taway IV, said the entry of the third new investor, the APG International Aviation Academy, or APGIAA is a sign that investors saw that the economic zone “is a prime location for growth, best location to build and expand business.”

“I want our message to be clear: APECO is primed for growth. My team is ready and able to find the best way to integrate your business into our portfolio. APECO is the best location to build, to grow, and to expand your business and we know that there is a place for any company that shares our vision of a brighter Filipino tomorrow with APECO,” Taway said in welcoming officials of APGIAA.

Capt. Arnel Miguel, APGIAA president, on the other end, said their academy in 1999 has established itself as a leading school offering unique, low-cost, multidisciplinary programs for success in the international aviation industry and has produced more than 3,000 graduates (mostly foreign students) in the country “who have seen rapid success in their careers.”

This news article, authored by Jing Villamente, was first featured on Daily Tribune on 23 February 2024. To continue reading, please visit the original publication on this link.