Reinvigorated and revitalized, Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV has expressed strong support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to reform the country’s energy sector, following his 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA).

"APECO is fully aligned with the administration’s push to expand energy access and reduce power costs through clean, renewable solutions," he said.

"As President Marcos Jr. emphasized, over three million Filipino households still lack access to electricity, and many more suffer from high costs and unstable power," he added.

Taway pointed out that the province of Aurora still does not have a steady supply of electricity, adding that families in remote areas continue to live without power.

"Such conditions discourage investors from locating and establishing businesses, despite the existence of an economic zone," he said.

In response to the President’s call, the ecozone aims to prioritize renewable energy (RE) as a key development pillar within its zone in Casiguran.

The town has untapped resources for solar, wind, and hydro power and is being positioned as a strategic contributor to the national target of raising RE’s share to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.

Among the flagship RE projects is the 16.8-megawatt solar power initiative led by Pacific Impact, which aims to improve energy access and reliability while promoting sustainable industrialization in the region.

"This project not only strengthens APECO’s energy infrastructure but also signals our readiness to become a viable investment destination. As we rebrand the ecozone as the Fishing Capital of the Pacific and the country’s first national defense hub, reliable and clean power becomes even more critical," Taway added.

APECO believes that renewable energy is more than just a solution — it is a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable growth.

"Power precedes progress,” Taway emphasized. “We are ready to play an essential role in fulfilling the President’s call for a modernized energy sector that truly serves the people and attracts global investors."