Indigenous leaders back APECO after years of criticism

Casiguran, Aurora – Vocal critics of the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO), particularly from several Indigenous Peoples (IP) leaders in Casiguran, have now expressed their support for the development of the Freeport.

This change of heart was shown during the opening ceremony of the APECO Week 2025 on July 9, 2025, with several of these local chieftains and community leaders sharing their new perspective.

IP Chieftains’ Association President Jerome Gonzales said that he was hesitant to work with APECO, adding that due to the agency’s recent efforts such as assisting the IP communities secure long-pending Certificates of Ancestral Domain Titles (CADTs), have given him a fresh perspective of the agency.

“If I had doubts before, only 20 percent of it remains. APECO took the lead in helping process our ancestral domain titles,” Gonzales said. “This is a step toward inclusive development, and we look forward to stronger partnerships built on trust and negotiation.”

Another critic, Barangay Dibet Captain Jesus O. Cezar, has openly admitted to participating in anti-APECO rallies when the economic zone was launched nearly two decades ago.

“I was one of APECO’s staunchest critics,” he said. “Today, I’m deeply grateful for the respect and trust being extended to our indigenous communities.”

The two local officials cited that the change of heart happened when APECO implemented changes to foster dialogue and transparency, including reforms such as the creation of an Indigenous Peoples Desk within APECO; quarterly consultations with IP communities; and support for CADT processing and documentation.

APECO has also expanded livelihood opportunities through the “Bantay Gubat” environmental stewardship program, employing locals to help protect ecological areas within and around the economic zone.

Regina Eneria, now head of APECO’s IP Desk and an Agta leader herself, once fiercely opposed the agency.

“I was one of APECO’s strongest critics because of the lack of consultation in the past,” she recalled. “But dialogue changes everything. Now, I see how APECO is helping — especially in giving our children a better future through education and jobs.”

She emphasized the spiritual and cultural significance of land and seas to the Agta people, saying, “These lands are given by God for everyone, but He also entrusted some to protect and care for them.”

APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV, who assumed office on October of 2023, cited that IP representation and support is important for the growth of the agency.

“The Bagong APECO is not just about leadership change, it’s a change in mindset. We listen first, we always consult, and we move forward together," he said.

This evolving relationship between APECO and the IP communities of Casiguran marks a significant shift from the years of tension and mistrust that once surrounded the project. Today, both sides appear committed to building a shared future rooted in unity, mutual respect, and collective growth.