A beachfront resort and ice plant will soon rise in the Casiguran, Aurora ecozone.

This, as the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone Authority and Freeport Zone (APECO) on Wednesday broke ground for the P185-million tourism and ice plant project within the said ecozone.

APECO President and CEO Gil Taway IV, along with Central Sierra Hotel Resorts Inc. (CSHRI) and TGV Development Corp. (TGVDC) President and CEO Rene Tayag, spearheaded the groundbreaking ceremony in Parcel 1 of the 12,743-hectare ecozone.

CSHRI is the developer of the P145-million beachfront resort on a 1.5-hectare lot, which will feature a 70-room mix, including standard and deluxe accommodations, with eight to ten villas equipped with private pools.

The company plans to open the resort in the next 12 months.

“This will truly change the tourism landscape in Casiguran,” Taway said in Filipino.

“Casiguran is already home to many beautiful spots, but with this development, we expect a rise in visitors. Beyond the area’s natural charm, travelers are also seeking comfortable and high-quality accommodations,” he added.

TGVDC also broke ground for the P40-million ice and food processing plant facility on Wednesday.

The facility will process 20 tons of tube ice and one ton of marine products, sourced from local fisherfolk’s fresh catch.

Tayag said the company also plans to expand the development of the half-hectare land, which will include commercial spaces and a gas station.

“Our funding facilities, including support from the Development Bank of the Philippines, Philippine Guarantee Corp., and Pampanga Development Bank, remain in progress. The president of the Pampanga Development Bank is also expected to visit the site soon for an on-ground assessment,” he added.