The signing of the 2026 Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP) by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is a strong affirmation of the development path that APECO has charted for the Aurora Province and the Eastern Seaboard. The newly approved priorities reinforce our vision of transforming APECO into the country's National Defense Hub, Fishing Capital of the Pacific, and Clean Energy Hub. These three strategic pillars directly support the Marcos administration's goals of strengthening national security, ensuring food security, and advancing energy security.
What makes the 2026 SIPP particularly significant for APECO is that many of the economic activities we are actively promoting are among the country's priority investment areas.
Under Tier I, these include agriculture, fishery and forestry development; processing and manufacturing of agricultural and fishery products; aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO); telecommunications infrastructure and services; ports and terminals; air, land and water transport; industrial zones; logistics and fulfillment centers; training and learning facilities; housing; as well as power generation and energy storage projects.
The alignment becomes even more evident under Tier II, which includes defense-related service activities, renewable energy, and food security-related investments. These sectors are central to APECO's strategic positioning. As the country seeks to enhance its defense capabilities, secure its food supply, and accelerate the transition to cleaner energy sources, APECO offers a unique platform where these priorities can converge through strategic investments and public-private partnerships.
Likewise, the inclusion of science, technology, and innovation-related activities under Tier III strengthens APECO's long-term vision. Priority areas such as research and development, defense-related manufacturing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and data science, hydrogen energy, and nuclear energy are among the high-value industries that we aim to attract as we develop a future-ready economic zone. Together with export-oriented enterprises, these industries have the potential to generate quality employment, encourage technology transfer, and position Aurora as an emerging center for innovation and advanced industries.
The 2026 SIPP presents an opportunity to translate national policy into tangible local benefits. As investments flow into these priority sectors, our communities, including our Indigenous Peoples, stand to gain from new jobs, expanded livelihood opportunities, skills training, and greater participation in economic development.
By aligning APECO's strategic direction with the country's investment priorities, we are creating the conditions for inclusive growth while advancing the nation's broader goals of security, resiliency, and sustainability.
CASIGURAN, Aurora — The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) and the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center of the Philippines signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Thursday (May 21) to strengthen the development of PPP projects aimed at accelerating infrastructure growth and long-term economic transformation in Aurora Province.
APECO President and CEO Undersecretary Gil G. Taway IV said the partnership with PPP Center is expected to fast-track APECO’s flagship infrastructure initiatives, including the Casiguran International New Port (CINP) and the Casiguran International Airport that position the ecozone as the country’s emerging “Gateway to the Pacific”.
Usec. Taway signed the MOA on behalf of APECO while PPP Center Executive Director Undersecretary Rizza Blanco-Latorre represented the Center. Also present to witness the signing is APECO Administrative and Finance Manager Rexzon Balacano and PPP Center Deputy Executive Director Assistant Secretary Eleazar E. Ricote.
Aside from the seaport and airport, Usec. Taway said the partnership will help build a robust pipeline of PPP projects designed to attract private sector investments in infrastructure, industry, tourism, and related sectors.
Under the agreement, the PPP Center will provide technical assistance and advisory support to APECO in project development, structuring, evaluation, procurement, and implementation of PPP projects. This includes the preparation of feasibility studies, conduct of business cases for qualified projects, and assistance in evaluating unsolicited proposals in accordance with Republic Act No. 11966 or the Public-Private Partnership Code of the Philippines.
PPP Center will also extend its assistance to APECO in determining eligibility for support under the Project Development and Monitoring Facility (PDMF).
“The PPP Center’s technical expertise will be critical in ensuring that APECO’s priority projects are properly structured, bankable, and aligned with national development goals,” Usec. Taway said.
On the other hand, APECO is expected to provide access to relevant project documents and information to the PPP Center, subject to applicable laws
and internal safeguards; designate a dedicated PPP unit to coordinate and manage PPP project development and implementation; ensure coordination with the PPP Center’s assigned technical teams; and facilitate implementation of agreed project development activities and support requirements.
Meanwhile, Usec. Blanco-Latorre said the agreement reflects the government’s commitment to expand private sector participation in infrastructure development under the PPP Code.
“Ultimately, this collaboration is about creating bankable, inclusive, and future-ready infrastructure that will unlock economic opportunities not only for Aurora, but for the broader Luzon growth corridor” Blanco-Latorre said.
Meanwhile, the PPP Center concluded a workshop for APECO conducted on May 19-20, which aimed to strengthen its capabilities in undertaking PPP projects.
Among the outputs of the two-day workshop are the Project Concept Notes for the CINP, Casiguran airport, pharmaceutical hub, and national defense hub.
MANILA — The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) and the Philippine Pharmaceutical Procurement Inc. (PPPI) are exploring to establish a pharmaceutical investment hub in Casiguran, Aurora.
On April 24, APECO President and Chief Executive Officer Atty. Gil G. Taway IV and PPPI President and CEO Maria Blanca Kim Bernardo-Lokin had an initial meeting at APECO’s satellite office at Parqal, Aseana City, Parañaque City to discuss potential areas of collaboration between the two government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs).
The proposed initiative supports the administration’s push under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen healthcare systems, improve access to affordable medicines, and position the Philippines as a competitive hub for high-value industries.
During the meeting, PPPI identified several potential activities for the proposed pharma hub in APECO, including research and development, clinical trials, and cold chain logistics and warehousing, among others.
PCEO Taway underscored APECO's readiness to host high-value industries that require reliable infrastructure, streamlined regulation, and long-term investment support.
“We are building APECO as a complete, investment-ready ecosystem. For industries like pharmaceuticals that demand stability, efficiency, and scale, our ecozone provides the environment where they can operate and grow with confidence,” PCEO Taway said.
Likewise, APECO has available land in Parcel 1 for a potential pharmaceutical hub, covering 496 hectares within the 12,923 hectares under its management pursuant to Republic Act 10083 of 2010.
He added that APECO’s ongoing efforts to strengthen power supply, water access, and logistics connectivity are critical in meeting the requirements of pharmaceutical locators, particularly in R&D, cold chain storage, and distribution.
For her part, PCEO Bernardo-Lokin said PPPI is currently drafting its roadmap in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry-Supply Chain and Logistics Group to develop a network of pharma hubs, wherein APECO is being eyed to be one of the potential pharma ecozones.
“We can position the Philippines as a competitive regional hub in Asia for global pharmaceutical firms, leveraging our strengths in R&D, clinical trials, and logistics. This collaboration with APECO not only strengthens our role in the global pharma value chain but also directly supports the administration’s priority of improving access to affordable, quality healthcare for all Filipinos,” Bernardo-Lokin added.
13 April 2026, MANILA – The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) expects locators to accelerate their investment decisions following a memorandum issued by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) recognizing the ecozone as an importing and exporting freeport zone and a Customs Client Profile Registration System (CPRS) accrediting agency.
The Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 05-2026, signed by Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno on April 6, 2026, amends provisions of CMO No. 19-2019 to include APECO among government agencies authorized to accredit importers and exporters for CPRS activation.
The same order formally lists APECO as a recognized free zone authority, aligning it with other major economic zone regulators in the country.
“This development is expected to unlock pending investments and fast-track decision-making among our prospective locators. Some investors have been waiting for this formal recognition before proceeding with their projects, particularly those with import-export requirements,” APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV said.
The CPRS is a mandatory registration system for importers and exporters transacting with the BOC.
Previously, locators had to coordinate with multiple agencies to complete their accreditation, which could delay operational timelines.
The new policy authorized APECO to facilitate CPRS accreditation, enabling faster CPRS activation and smoother customs transactions.
“We thank Commissioner Nepomuceno, the BOC, and the Department of Finance led by Secretary Frederick D. Go for this important issuance, which enhances inter-agency coordination and directly supports investment promotion in APECO,” PCEO Taway said.
This development strengthens APECO’s position to become the country’s “Gateway to the Pacific”, a strategic hub for trade, logistics, and emerging industries serving the Asia-Pacific region.
MANILA — The Casiguran Airport, located inside the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO), is being positioned as a future international gateway in the northeastern part of Luzon.
The airport is one of APECO’s key infrastructure projects to help the Aurora Province to transform as a strategic hub for tourism, trade, and investment.
“We will be bidding out the passenger terminal building and air traffic control tower this second quarter of the year,” APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV said.
PCEO Taway added that positioning the Casiguran Airport as an international gateway will connect Aurora directly to the global markets. It will also make the province more attractive to investors, tourists, and as a competitive hub for emerging industries.
This major infrastructure in APECO also gained strong support from Aurora’s Lone District Representative Hon. Rommel Rico T. Angara.
Congressman Angara, in his special message during the APECO-InfiniVAN Memorandum of Understanding Signing event last March 27, said there will be commercial flights coming in and out of Aurora Province by June 2027.
“In Baler, we have a domestic airport. But in Casiguran, together with APECO and the Board of Directors, our vision is for the coming years—final timeline will be 2028—to have an international, operational airport in Aurora Pacific Economic Zone,” Rep. Angara said.
As momentum builds, APECO continues to lay the groundwork for a more connected and investment-ready Aurora, anchored on its vision of becoming a globally competitive and sustainable economic zone.
MANILA — Government leaders of the Aurora Province signed a pledge of support to the proposed digital infrastructure project between the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) and InfiniVAN, Inc. on March 27, 2026 in Makati City, signaling unified backing from local and provincial officials for a landmark initiative poised to transform connectivity and investment prospects in the province. InfiniVAN is an affiliate of the Tokyo stock exchange-listed company IPS, Inc.
The signing of the Pledge of Support, held alongside the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between APECO and InfiniVAN, Inc., was led by the Aurora Lone District Representative Hon. Rommel Rico T. Angara, the Provincial Government of Aurora represented by Provincial Administrator Shierwin H. Taay on behalf of the Governor Hon. Isidro P. Galban, and the complete attendance of all eight mayors of Aurora.
The mayors in attendance were Baler Mayor Rhett Ronan T. Angara, Casiguran Mayor Roynald S. Soriano, Dinalungan Mayor Arvee A. Vargas, Dingalan Mayor Aurora Guzman-Taay, Dilasag Mayor Romner A. Agustin, Dipaculao Mayor Danilo A. Tolentino, Maria Aurora Mayor Ariel S. Bitong, and San Luis Mayor Ariel A. De Jesus.
The provincial and local chief executives signed the pledge affirming their collective commitment of fostering a supportive environment to ensure the success of the project for the inclusive growth of Aurora.
In his special message that bookmarked the pledge of support, Cong. Angara said that politics plays a major role in the economic growth of Aurora, and that political leaders must be united, working with national government agencies to make progress and take the necessary steps for the development of the province.
“For the previous elections, I've always envisioned leaders should always be One Aurora. When elected, we should work together for the progress of Aurora,” Cong. Angara said.
“We are one in ensuring that all should be done for the encouragement and progress, not only of APECO, but the whole province in general,” he added.
For his part, Provincial Administrator Taay highlighted the broader implications of the partnership between APECO and InfiniVAN for Aurora’s development:
“This act signifies the great possibilities for the Province of Aurora, to develop more of its potentials and its endless opportunities not just as a tourism hub only, but as an international avenue for digitalization and modernization,” Administrator Taay said.
Under the MOU, APECO and InfiniVAN will collaborate to explore the development of an overland link within the Casiguran-based ecozone, connecting it to InfiniVAN’s existing and upcoming international submarine cable landing stations in Baler, Aurora, as well as to subsea cable capacities in Claveria, Cagayan and other emerging landing corridors across Northern Luzon.
“On behalf of APECO, I extend our sincere gratitude to our leaders across Aurora for their full support and unity. Your commitment sends a strong signal that the province is ready to move forward together in unlocking new opportunities for our people,” said APECO President and CEO Gil G. Taway IV.
27 March 2026, MANILA — The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) and InfiniVAN Inc. signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen digital infrastructure in Aurora, positioning the ecozone as a viable hub for data centers.
This investment opportunity is also seen to increase the demand for energy requirements and build on APECO’s developing clean energy portfolio.
APECO President and Chief Executive Officer Atty. Gil G. Taway IV and InfiniVAN President Shigeki Nakahara led the signing ceremony Friday in Makati City, which was graced by Economic Affairs Minister Naobumi Yokota of the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines.
The MOU between APECO and InfiniVAN aims to explore the establishment of a terrestrial (overland) connection inside APECO in Casiguran, Aurora connecting the ecozone with the landed and soon-to-be landed international submarine cable capacities in Baler, Aurora, as well as subsea cable capacities in Claveria, Cagayan and elsewhere in emerging Northern Luzon submarine cable landing corridors.
InfiniVAN is the fully-licensed Philippine telco subsidiary of Tokyo Stock Exchange-listed Japanese telco IPS, Inc. InfiniVAN, although with barely a decade of operating experience in the Philippine broadband industry, has emerged as a real powerhouse in providing robust and resilient connectivity to internet service providers (ISPs) of all sizes as well as to other incumbent telecom operators. Today, InfiniVAN boasts of the 3rd largest lit upstream capacity to the internet backbone from the Philippines, with 20+ Tbps distributed across 10 international submarine cable systems.
The digital infrastructure envisioned in this collaboration is expected to support growing global demand from hyperscalers for artificial intelligence (AI) computing capacities in interconnected datacenters locally and abroad and usher in a new wave of investments in Aurora in the digital services sector.
PCEO Taway IV expects that the establishment of backhaul facilities connecting APECO to international submarine cable corridors will have multiplier effects — attracting datacenters to locate in the Casiguran-based ecozone and provide an impetus to clean energy investments that will supply the huge power demand for datacenter operations on top other industries establishing inside the ecozone.
“The convergence of digital and energy infrastructure is expected to create employment opportunities for local communities. As we attract datacenters and energy investments, we also open up opportunities for the people of Aurora. While datacenters themselves are self-sustaining with smaller teams, it has a multiplier effect in the allied industries that provide support to these datacenter facilities. This means more jobs, more skills development, and more inclusive economic growth,” PCEO Taway said.
InfiniVAN, for its part, expressed commitment to support APECO’s vision of building a future-ready economic zone anchored on reliable and high-capacity connectivity. “Our wholehearted support to APECO’s vision is a continuation of the IPS Group’s declared mission of opening doors of opportunity that benefit society at large” says InfiniVAN Chairman, Mr. Koji Miyashita.
The MOU also allows both parties to explore other areas of cooperation and is a foundational step towards commercial arrangements and MOAs. The InfiniVAN fiber optic backhauls for APECO enhance the connectivity capabilities of the ecozone as a freeport that are being expanded under PCEO Taway’s management: seaports, airports, and digital infrastructure.
APECO is positioning itself as an emerging gateway to the Pacific, leveraging its strategic location and ongoing infrastructure developments to attract investments aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s agenda on national digital transformation, energy, and food security.
Meanwhile, the MOU signing ceremony gathered leaders from Aurora, including the Provincial Government of Aurora represented by Provincial Administrator Shierwin H. Taay on behalf of Governor Isidro P. Galban, Aurora Lone District Representative Rommel Rico T. Angara, Baler Mayor Rhett Ronan T. Angara, Casiguran Mayor Roynald S. Soriano, Dinalungan Mayor Arvee A. Vargas, Dingalan Mayor Aurora Guzman-Taay, Dilasag Mayor Romner A. Agustin, Dipaculao Danilo A. Tolentino, Maria Aurora Mayor Ariel S. Bitong, and San Luis Mayor Ariel A. De Jesus.
The Aurora LGUs also signed their Pledge of Support for the collaboration between APECO and InfiniVAN.
Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV led the APECO team in an exploratory meeting with Port of Antwerp-Bruges International, one of Europe’s leading port developers, on March 13, 2026 in Makati City, as the investment promotion agency advances plans for the Casiguran International New Port.
Joining from Port of Antwerp-Bruges International were Head of Business Development Ms. Maartje Driessens and Regional Coordinator for Southeast Asia Mr. Kamiel Schilders.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the Embassy of Belgium in the Philippines, led by H.E. Vladislava Iordanova, for hosting the meeting.
We also thank Department of Trade and Industry-Supply Chain and Logistics Group Undersecretary Mary Jean T. Pacheco and Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Brussels Commercial Attaché Ms. Magnolia Misolas-Ashley for making this meeting possible.
The business meeting reflects APECO's strong potential to emerge as a strategic gateway to the Pacific, positioned to unlock new trade routes, enhance supply chain connectivity, and support the Philippines’ growing role in regional logistics and maritime trade.
The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) continues to attract strong interest from local and foreign firms as it advances key infrastructure and sustainability initiatives within the Casiguran-based ecozone.
APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV recently held a high-level meeting with South Korean firm Shintaeyang Construction and Filipino company Soliman E.C. Environmental Solutions, Inc. as they both explore potential opportunities in APECO.
Shintaeyang Construction President Cheon Sik Yang expressed the company's keen interest in the development of the APECO Airport and the Casiguran seaport, recognizing the ecozone’s strategic role as a gateway to the Pacific. The company has over 20 years of experience in civil engineering.
Meanwhile, Soliman E.C. Environmental Solutions President Epitacio C. Soliman Jr. signified its intent to support the enhancement of APECO’s waste management systems. Building on existing infrastructure such as the sewage treatment plant (STP) and materials recovery facility (MRF), the company is looking at scalable solutions that can benefit not only the ecozone but the broader region.
Also present during the meetings was Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Secretary Elmer G. Cato and Korean Chamber of Commerce Philippines Senior Manager Young Hwan Choi, who conveyed strong support for APECO’s renewed direction and expressed optimism for its future growth.
APECO also extends its appreciation to the Philippine-Indonesia Business Council chairman of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mr. N. Mark Castro for facilitating valuable connections with industry partners.
PARAÑAQUE CITY — The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) is advancing plans for a major Pacific-facing port project as global geopolitical tensions highlight the vulnerability of traditional maritime trade routes.
During the Philippines Ports & Logistics 2026 in Parañaque City Wednesday, APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV said the ongoing conflict in the Middle East underscores structural risks in the global shipping industry, particularly along the heavily used western maritime corridor connecting Asia to Europe through the waters in the Middle East.
“The traditional western maritime corridor remains the backbone of Asia–Europe trade, but it is also exposed to multiple geopolitical chokepoints. Recent tensions in the Middle East highlight how concentrated global trade routes remain vulnerable to disruption,” PCEO Taway said.
Major maritime chokepoints along this route include the Strait of Malacca, the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the Suez Canal.
Against this backdrop, PCEO Taway said the Pacific trade corridor is becoming more strategically important for global logistics.
To position the Philippines within this evolving maritime landscape, APECO is pushing forward with its flagship infrastructure project, the Casiguran International New Port, a greenfield port development located in Aurora province.
“APECO offers itself as a new gateway, a new trans-Pacific gateway. I would say that even without wars, even without these geopolitical realities or risks, this new gateway that is being offered by APECO is very significant for everyone to consider,” PCEO Taway said.
Facing the Pacific Ocean, the proposed port is envisioned to serve as a new maritime gateway that will support manufacturing, logistics, and export activities connecting the Philippines to the broader Asia-Pacific economy and to the rest of the world.
“APECO’s location gives the Philippines a strategic vantage point in the Pacific corridor. By developing a modern port here, we create an additional gateway that strengthens the country’s role in regional and global supply chains,” the investment promotion agency chief said.
“By strengthening infrastructure on the Pacific side of the Philippines, we contribute to a more resilient maritime network and create alternative gateways for global trade,” Taway said.
