In a bid to develop its existing airstrip in Casiguran, the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) on Wednesday announced it has acquired an additional 12 hectares of land to expand the facility.

In a statement, APECO Chief Executive Officer Atty. Gil Taway IV said the acquisition of land in Barangay Esteves, Casiguran, marks a major step in transforming the current APECO Airstrip into a commercial airport. The move is expected to connect the Casiguran-based economic zone to the global investment market.

Taway IV sealed the deal with the land owners Atty. Edward Chua Cham and Magdalena Chua Cham in a ceremonial signing of the agreement in Quezon City on 17 June.

Under the agreement, the Chua Cham family donated 5.2 hectares of land to APECO—representing half of the airstrip’s footprint — and sold an additional 6.8 hectares.

“APECO’s potential to do more depends on the amount of land we administer. In our continuing land acquisition efforts, we were left with higher rates beyond the zonal valuation. APECO, however, was able to acquire the property from the Chua Cham family at 50 percent less than the previous buying rate, which we consider highly advantageous to the government,” said Taway.

“Their contribution strengthens our capacity to realize inclusive economic development for the people of Aurora. Their generosity is a testament to the growing public support for APECO’s current direction — a powerful vote of confidence in our goal of a Bagong APECO,” he added.

For his part, Atty. Chua Cham said the donation and sale reflect their family’s support for APECO’s vision of bringing progress and opportunity to northeastern Luzon.

“We believe that the development of the APECO Airport is not just a project for Casiguran, it is a project for the Filipino people. This is our small way of contributing to nation-building. We have seen how determined the current administration and APECO’s leadership are in driving economic development in Aurora. We hope that our gesture encourages others to support projects that aim to uplift communities and boost economic development,” he said.

The APECO Airport is considered a critical infrastructure project that will significantly improve accessibility to Aurora and the broader northeastern Luzon economic corridor. The facility is expected to attract business travelers, investors, and cargo operations, while also opening the region’s natural attractions — including beaches and biodiversity hotspots — to the tourism market.

In February 2025, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) inspected the Casiguran airstrip and made recommendations for the issuance of a Permit to Operate (PTO).

“We are working with CAAP and other key agencies to fast-track this project. The APECO Airport will not only serve as a gateway to Aurora — it will be a gateway to new opportunities for the Philippines,” said Taway.