The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) has secured back-to-back partnerships with international and local private firms to fully equip and operationalize its newly built Super Health Center in Casiguran, Aurora, providing health care access for residents and positioning the ecozone as a future retirement hub.
On Sept. 22 and 25, APECO signed two agreements with International Workplace Group (IWG) Philippines and Freya Trading, Inc., for the facility management and equipping of the Super Center, respectively.
“This generous commitment allows us to fully equip the Super Health Center without putting additional strain on public resources. It’s a clear example of how partnerships with the private sector can deliver meaningful, sustainable solutions for our people,” said APECO president and chairman Gil Taway.
The management deal is IWG’s first foray into health care facility management worldwide, bringing its global expertise in efficiency, facility management and service delivery to the ecozone.
Under the agreement with Freya, APECO will provide land and infrastructure support, and Freya will fully fund the procurement, installation and upgrading of medical equipment and supplies at no cost to the government.
The firm will also train health center staff, creating new jobs and opportunities for the surrounding municipalities of Dinalungan, Casiguran and Dilasag (DiCaDi).
The P16.83 million Super Health Center, completed earlier this year, is envisioned to cater to both the local community and future locators of the ecozone. It will provide a wide range of services — from outpatient consultations, preventive care, diagnostics and laboratory services to emergency care, urgent medical attention and minor surgeries.
“For IWG to choose APECO as the site for this pioneering business model reflects the rising confidence of global companies in Bagong APECO. Together with Freya’s investment in equipment and IWG’s global management expertise, this facility is set to deliver world-class health care while supporting Aurora’s inclusive development goals,” Taway said.
Freya’s managing director Emmanuel Cueto emphasized their trust in APECO’s vision, noting that its decision to invest and provide medical equipment at no cost to the government stems from the trust in APECO’s leadership.
“This partnership will bring lasting benefits to the community and set a strong example of public-private collaboration,” he said.
The Super Health Center is also seen as a cornerstone of APECO’s plan to attract investments in retirement facilities, with a foreign company currently exploring opportunities to establish a retirement village within the ecozone.
