Photo: Atty. Gil G. Taway IV, President and Chief Executive Officer, with ISF Holders and Resort Owners
(24 January 2025, Casiguran) - With guidance from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) convened Integrated Social Forestry (ISF) program holders and resort owners within Casiguran to discuss the investment promotion agency’s plan to develop Parcel 2 of its managed land area which encompasses the San Ildefonso Peninsula by virtue of the APECO Charter.
As the economic zone treads forward, APECO seeks to implement a proper and transparent process for the procurement of permits, clearances and other compliances. Additionally, in close compliance with the Local Government Unit of Casiguran as well as the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), APECO seeks to transfer the regulation, operation and maintenance of Parcel 2 to the investment promotion agency to ensure that projects and developments within the area complement and support each other.
Welcomed by APECO President and Chief Executive Officer Atty. Gil G. Taway IV, he reiterated that no eviction shall happen under the current management and that APECO is committed to ensuring a smooth and transparent process for all affected businesses.
The session served as an important platform for stakeholders to discuss immediate concerns, necessary requirements and guidelines for compliance. Moreover, APECO presented its long-term vision of development for the area which will not be possible without the involvement of the local community.
As APECO pursues regular dialogue with all stakeholders, it remains dedicated to fostering a business-friendly environment not only for foreign businesses but especially for micro, small and medium local enterprises in the region.
APECO assured the Certificate of Stewardship (CS) holders and resort operators that it will issue its guidelines for the procurement of permits, clearances, and compliances once finalized. With developments now in full swing, APECO is making strides towards joint development as it continues to position Casiguran to become the next premier tourism destination in the Philippines.
