The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region III have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to jointly develop marine resources in Casiguran, Aurora.
Signed Friday, the MOU outlines initiatives including the establishment of salt-making and seaweed production facilities, the potential development of a legislated marine hatchery, and the rollout of a vessel monitoring system to strengthen maritime sustainability in the Philippine Rise and Philippine Sea.
“Today we formally welcome BFAR as our partner for development. These initiatives aim to empower our local communities and transform Casiguran into a hub for marine-based investments, towards our direction to become the Fishing Capital of the Pacific,” APECO president Gil Taway said.
Under the agreement, a one-hectare inland salt production facility will be developed using advanced technologies within APECO’s Parcel 2 in Barangay Cozo. The P10 million facility will produce high-quality artisanal salt for local consumption and export, generating employment for at least 30 residents.
The partnership will also facilitate commercial-scale seaweed farming in Barangays Diniog, Dalugan and Cozo, covering up to one hectare in each barangay.
In support of regional aquaculture, APECO and BFAR plan to build a one-hectare inland fish hatchery within the ecozone. The proposed facility, estimated to cost between P40 million and P50 million, will raise fingerlings for distribution to fish farms beyond Casiguran.
The MOU establishes a joint effort to implement a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) covering the Eastern Seaboard and Philippine Rise. The system will enhance maritime surveillance and lay the groundwork for future port infrastructure.
