Manila, Philippines - The entry of Amaris Energy, after the Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation, is a ‘turning point’ in catalyzing the rapid growth of the area in support of the existing energy demand of present locators.
The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority has another investor, the Amaris Energy Inc., which will develop a 100-megawatt power plant utilizing renewable energy from natural resources in the area.
At the signing of a memorandum of understanding at the Cocoon Hotel in Quezon City Monday, APECO president Atty. Gil Taway IV said the entry of Amaris Energy, after the Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation, is a “turning point” in catalyzing the rapid growth of the area in support of the existing energy demand of present locators while allowing new investors to come in.
“This collaboration signifies a turning point for our Ecozone, as we embark on a path towards sustainable progress and energy security,” Taway said.
“Our partnership with Amaris not only supports our existing infrastructure but also paves the way for incoming investors in our Ecozone. We are proud to contribute to the national goverment’s vision of energy security specially in the far-flung provinces of our beautiful country,” he added.
This news article, authored by Jing Villamente, was first featured on Daily Tribune on 7 February 2024. To continue reading, please visit the original publication on this link.
Casiguran, Aurora - Immediately after taking office, PCEO Taway proceeded to direct the Engineering and Environment Safety Division under Engr. Ryan V. Baliat to undertake the necessary works to bring APECO infrastructure to its former glory. The incoming management saw the paltry state of APECO offices that have been left in a poor state of disrepair, with rust and corrosion on the railings, access to the beach hampered, and worse, APECO employees being forced to work in cramped office spaces because the Administrative Building (Admin Bldg) - government property intended for government work - was leased out by previous management to a locator.
Correcting this error, PCEO Taway was able to return the Admin Bldg to APECO and convince the previous occupant to undertake the necessary repair of the facilities at no cost to the government, including that of the finished beach cottages (pictured above), staff house and villas. Repair of the facade of the staff house and villas is likewise underway, being undertaken by the EESD. Aside from saving on costs, PCEO Taway was able to collect 18 Million pesos in arrears without filing cases, showing his deft and precise management skill in dealing with people.
Rehabilitation efforts began as soon as PCEO Taway took office, prioritizing the facilities that would be used for the Christmas Village Lighting. This included the construction of nipa-hut inspired concessionaire stands on the beach ground overlooking the canal, where a new bridge was built and lit up.
Continuous efforts have likewise been continued for the preparation of the grounds for various events and are ongoing as of time of writing. Repair works have expanded to include the canals and continue to the lagoon area, where PCEO Taway envisions the creation of unique tourist attractions such as gondola rides for APECO’s own ”Little Amsterdam”. Bamboo gardens are also envisioned to surround the inland lagoon, for a “Little Kyoto” experience.
Manigong bagong taon sa lahat!
I would like to begin this message by expressing my gratitude to the Board of Directors of APECO. I pray that I may humbly offer my skill and dedication towards the progress of the DiCaDi area, the Province of Aurora, and the Filipino people.
In taking over this role, I asked myself two things: what can I bring to the table and more importantly what future can I see for APECO. To answer the first question, I bring an inclusive and consultative manner of management, this is not my kingdom, for I am no king, I am a humble steward entrusted to grow and develop the Ecozone and I vow to remain open to everyone so that my tenure shall be one of shared prosperity.
As to the second and more difficult question, I had to begin by looking at why APECO was initially conceived, what APECO has achieved until the present, and what I believe APECO can accomplish. APECO is an area with so much promise. While ecotourism remains a part of our identity, we plan to add other growth pillars to catalyze rapid development in the area. Under my management, we shall support the programs of the Marcos Administration to contribute to food security, energy security, and national security as a whole by supporting the defense industry sector.
My team and I reviewed what initially was identified as target industries for initial investors, we reconsidered existing locators, and we planned the way forward. While there is infinite potential, we must still focus our time and energies on the most efficient and effective route of finding results and steering progress.
Towards Food Security we have identified the Casiguran Sound and its access to the Philippine Rise as an untapped natural resource that can support the cultivation of a strong fishing and fish processing industry. Regarding Energy Security, while the infrastructure is continuously being built considering our location we have identified that APECO can be the heart of the Philippine green energy revolution. We will explore the potential for wind, hydro, solar, and other forms of energy that can supply the ever-growing demand not only of the area but of the country as a whole.
Finally, the strategic location of our Ecozone safely tucked behind the Sierra Madre mountain range offers a blank and secure canvas where a highly sophisticated industry that supports our gallant Armed Forces, National Police, and other security sector partners can grow and flourish. We envision APECO to be the first Defense Hub of the country where we can help bolster and support any effort our country and our key allies may need.
2024 marks 17 years for APECO and by 2027 APECO would continue to make its mark for the Philippines.
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang APECO!
Quezon City, Philippines - Two government corporations, the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) and Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation (PADC), have bonded together over the weekend for development.
At the signing of their Letter of Agreement at the Luxent Hotel on Friday, APECO president and CEO Atty. Gil Taway said their collaboration "is born out of shared vision and a common commitment to the self-reliant defense posture, AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) modernization, and more broadly ensuring the security of our nation while contributing to economic growth and sustainable development for all."
The partnership, according to Taway, will establish maintenance, repair, overhaul, facilities for aerospace equipment, and air assets of the countries security forces "as well as our partners in the private sector and civil aviation."
For his part, Atty. Raymond Mitra, PADC President and CEO, said the location of APECO is "strategic" for them, to have facilities and units of the Philippine Navy, Coast Guard, and PNP Maritime Unit who are guarding our Pacific Eastern seaboard and the vast expanse of Philippine Rise."
Taway said they "will explore various joint undertakings within the Ecozone, such as joint ventures and consortia with other corporate entities that the PADC has, or any other viable contracts."
"APECO will provide the land, while PADC will contribute to the development and operation of commercial and utility projects within the zone," Taway added.
The agreement covers 25 hectares of APECO's over 12,900 hectares of economic zone. Details of the contract as well as the lease expenditure will now be ironed out as the two goverment corporations agreed to push for the collaborations.
This news article, authored by Jing Villamente, was first featured on Daily Tribune on 21 January 2024. To read the article, please visit the original publication on this link.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
