APECO thrives amid infra boom

A Super Health Center (SHC), a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), and the Central Water Supply and Reservoir System Phase 1 (CWSR) are the latest infrastructure projects rising at the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) as it continues to prepare 12,743 hectares of managed land for industry development.

“The inauguration of the APECO Super Health Center adds immense value not only to the economic zone but also to Aurora as a whole,” Aurora Lone District Representative Congressman Rommel T. Angara said.

“It’s an example of how APECO is proactively addressing the needs of both locators and employees, making the region an even more attractive place to invest and operate in.

“By providing accessible, reliable medical care, we are enhancing the well-being of our community and our workforce while also offering locators a key service that supports their operations and growth within the economic zone,” he added.

APECO is located in Casiguran, Aurora and was established through Republic Act 9490, as amended by Republic Act 10083, to be developed into and operated as a decentralized, self-reliant and self-sustaining industrial, commercial/trading, agro-industrial, tourist, banking, financial and investment center with suitable residential areas.

APECO is a government-owned and controlled corporation whose purpose is to attract foreign investments, to generate jobs, and to improve social and economic conditions of the local community.

P800-M projects abandoned

In the first year of the current APECO management, an alarming P800 million worth of abandoned and discontinued projects left by the previous administration were reported.

Empowered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., APECO was able to complete P115 million worth of infrastructure last year.

The inauguration of the Central Water Supply and Reservoir (CWSR) system Phase 1 adds another P60 million worth of completed projects.

The CWSR is a strategic investment that ensures the continuous and reliable supply of water to meet the needs of investors and locators looking to invest in Aurora.

“Reliable water supply is a cornerstone of any thriving business environment, and the Central Water Supply and Reservoir System Phase 1 is a vital piece of infrastructure that will help ensure the smooth operation of our locators,” APECO president and CEO Gil G. Taway IV said during the inauguration ceremony.

“These new infrastructure projects, the SHC, the MRF, and the CWSR, not only supports the businesses within the zone but also enhances the overall appeal of APECO as an attractive investment destination. We are confident that these developments will further strengthen our value proposition for future investors and shall demonstrate our readiness for further investments and industrial growth.”

According to Taway, since embarking on a new strategic direction for the economic zone, the present APECO management continues to prioritize projects and programs that advance the revenue-generating potential of the area.

He said the completion of these projects highlights APECO’s dedication to transforming the province of Aurora into a competitive and sustainable hub for trade, production and investment.