Two new locators are sinking in a combined P185 million to develop tourism infrastructure and a marine food processing facility inside the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO).
Central Sierra Hotel Resorts Inc. and TGV Development Corp., both owned by president Rene Tayag, will join pioneer locators in APECO, aiming to enhance its tourism and economic appeal.
Both companies signed a lease agreement and investment contract with APECO on March 18, 2025.
The P145-million Central Sierra is envisioned as a three-star hotel with 70 cabin rooms, including 50 deluxe room cabins, 10 bungalow villas and exclusive villas with private pools.
“We will build the marina and introduce 35- and 40-footer boats that can cater to divers and tourists from Metro Manila, allowing travel to the Philippine Rise in less than five hours,” Tayag said.
The development covers a 1.5-hectare area under a 25-year lease agreement with APECO.
Meanwhile, TGV Development is investing P40 million to establish a marine food processing facility on a half-hectare lot and a 20-ton ice tube plant to support Central Sierra.
“We will process tuna, blue marlin, and mainly milkfish, leveraging our long experience in fish processing. Part of the processed products will be supplied to our distribution affiliate in Angeles City, serving clients in the Freeport,” Tayag said.
The facility will initially have a 2-ton cold storage capacity—one ton for daily distribution and the other for businesses requiring storage-due to power availability concerns and high electricity costs.
Tayag said the simultaneous groundbreaking for Central Sierra and TGV Development is scheduled for April 23, 2025, with operations expected to commence eight months later.
Financing for the projects is secured through the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).
“Their investments signify that APECO is ready to unlock its economic potential. These developments are expected to serve as catalysts for tourism promotion and economic activity in APECO, reinforcing its position as a key investment hub in the Northeast Philippines,” Tayag said.