The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) said it has regained its standing through improved governance and a surge in investor interest, APECO president and chief executive Gil Taway IV said during his State of APECO Address on Dec. 15.
Taway said the ecozone has restored its relevance two years after a mandate was issued to revive the authority. He attributed the progress to leadership reforms and transparent governance, noting that the agency received two consecutive positive audit findings from the Commission on Audit.
The authority is seeing a resurgence in international interest following overseas investment missions. Two Spanish firms, Fira Barcelona and IDOM, are scheduled to sign memoranda of understanding to explore projects in food and cold-chain logistics, port modernization and a convention facility. These developments follow a partnership with KADIN Indonesia for the inaugural APECO business forum.
APECO also reported significant progress on more than P800 million worth of previously stalled projects. Completed facilities include the first phases of a sewage treatment plant and a central water supply system, alongside a new fire station and fire protection equipment facility.
Taway said the authority’s growth is now aligned with the provincial government of Aurora and the municipalities of Dinalungan, Casiguran and Dilasag under the DiCaDi Growth Corridor.
