The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) transferred its Manila-based satellite office previously located in Pasay City to PARQAL Mall in Parañaque City, a move that is projected to save the organization approximately P4 million annually. 

“We recognize the need for every government organization to operate with fiscal prudence, especially in a time when resources are scarce and need to be maximized for the greater good of the Filipino people,” APECO president and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV said during the Inauguration of APECO’s new satellite office on 13 March.

Pivotal shift

“This decisive shift is part of APECO’s commitment to judicious spending of public funds and will directly result in an available budget for critical infrastructure projects in the area,” he added.

As APECO continues to prepare the economic zone for industry development, the Casiguran-based investment promotion agency, Taway said they  are also exploring all possible avenues to fund revenue generating infrastructure projects required by possible investors and locators.

“This move is part of our broader initiative to enhance operational efficiency and to ensure that taxpayers money is being used responsibly. The savings we will generate from this initiative will allow us to bankroll revenue-generating infrastructure projects in APECO,” Taway explained.

When APECO’s new management took over the investment promotion agency in late 2023, a key issue that cried to be addressed was the negative image and reputation the organization has unfortunately suffered. In mid-2024, after rehabilitating and reclaiming APECO’s Administrative Building in Casiguran, APECO moved its center of operations back to Aurora, re-opening its seat of power to the public. 

Necessity for dev’t

While savings were a primary factor, according to Taway, the full rehabilitation of the head office in Casiguran and the transfer to a new satellite office in Manila are deliberate steps to shed APECO’s past and to prepare the economic zone for industry development.

PARQAL offers a more modern facility which allows for a more accessible and streamlined environment for employees and stakeholders alike. Features of the new space include more flexible meeting areas, improved communication infrastructure, and a more energy-efficient design that further reduces operational costs.

The decision to transfer, which aligns with the organization’s ongoing efforts to improve fiscal responsibility, was made after a comprehensive review of operational needs and space utilization.

The new office is designed to foster a more collaborative work environment, allowing APECO to continue its crucial role in promoting foreign investments, job creation, sustainable development and support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. thrusts on national security, food security and energy security.