The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) said Tuesday it will reopen its tourism facilities next month as it continues to drive development in the Dinalungan-Casiguran-Dilasag (DiCaDi) corridor of northern Aurora.
The revitalized property will feature the 20-room APECO Residences, seven two-bedroom Executive Villas and a three-bedroom Executive Kubo. The facilities are located in the scenic backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains and Casiguran Cove.
APECO president and chief executive Gil Taway IV said the P44-million rehabilitation project, funded by the agency’s 2024 budget, also includes the construction of three control points and two additional villas.
“The newly renovated tourism properties inside the ecozone will not only serve visitors but also create opportunities for our local communities and strengthen Aurora’s position as a rising destination in the Pacific corridor,” Taway said.
The facilities are projected to generate enough income to cover APECO’s annual personnel budget of P57 million within three to five years at full occupancy. This is expected to create a sustainable revenue stream to support operations, future projects, and contributions to the national government.
As part of the rehabilitation, APECO is enhancing landscaping and site development to highlight green spaces, native plants, and walkways.
The agency is also seeking to improve connectivity. The APECO airstrip can accommodate chartered flights with a one-time permit, and APECO is working to secure a permit to operate by year-end to pave the way for commercial flights, said Taway.
The reopening is expected to boost livelihood opportunities for small businesses by increasing visitor spending on food, goods, transport and other services.
The facilities will also make it easier for tourists to explore northern Aurora’s attractions, such as Casapsapan Beach, Tibu Tidal Pool, Motiong Beach, Dalugan Beach, Ontok Lighthouse, Dialang Falls, and the 419-year-old Ermita Church in Casiguran.
In August, APECO began a P20-million project to rehabilitate the JPEC Buildings into the APECO Legacy Villas, using savings from its 2024 budget to expand its accommodation capacity.
