A Washington, D.C.–based consulting firm is setting its sights on the Philippines’ eastern seaboard, with potential seaport development in Aurora now on its radar.
Valent, a US consulting firm specializing in large-scale project development and strategic advisory, has expressed interest in exploring opportunities within the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport (APECO).
The firm’s leadership, headed by President and Chief Executive Officer Justin Valentine, recently met with APECO executives led by President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV to discuss possible collaboration on seaport development and related defense-oriented initiatives in Casiguran, Aurora.
Adding weight to the talks was the presence of Department of National Defense Assistant Secretary Augusto V. Gaite, who oversees defense technology, research, and industry development. His attendance underscored the strategic undertones of the discussions.
APECO is pushing forward with plans to develop a major seaport in Casiguran, envisioned as a gateway to Pacific trade routes and a logistics hub along Luzon’s eastern coastline. Positioned facing the Pacific Ocean, the proposed port is seen as a potential game changer for trade diversification, disaster-resilient logistics, and regional connectivity.
For Valent, the interest aligns with its global portfolio. According to the firm, it helps organizations anticipate future challenges, manage risk, and execute complex transformations across industries. Its consultants bring experience in global project development, enterprise implementation, supplier management, and market intelligence.
Valent’s service menu spans supply sourcing and negotiation, strategic advisory, procurement transformation, capital raising and project financing, digital transformation, and professional training.
While discussions remain exploratory, the meeting signals growing international interest in APECO’s long-term vision. For Aurora and Philippine logistics, the Pacific-facing opportunity is starting to draw serious attention.
