The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) has successfully revived and advanced long-abandoned infrastructure projects collectively valued at nearly P800 million, marking a significant turnaround for the special economic zone under the leadership of its president and CEO Gil G. Taway IV.
The projects, many of which had been stalled for years under previous administrations, are now either completed, inaugurated, or under active construction. These include vital infrastructure such as underground power distribution systems, water supply and sanitation facilities, and public buildings, key to enhancing APECO’s attractiveness to future investors and commercial locators.
Among the completed projects are:
Central Water Supply and Reservoir (CWSR) Phase 1 – P60 million
Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) Phase 1 – P28 million
APECO Fire Station – P12 million
Rehabilitation of APECO Villas and Residences – P44 million
Super Health Center – P16.83 million
Materials Recovery Facility – P4.95 million
Notably, the Underground Power Distribution Line (UPDL) Phase 1 is now 98 percent complete, with UPDL Phases 1 and 2 combined at 78 percent progress, backed by a P70-million budget.
Projects currently in progress include:
CWSR Phase 2 – P30 million, 87 percent complete
Fire trucks and ambulance procurement – P15 million, 50 percent complete
STP Phase 2 – P47 million, now in pre-construction
APECO has also restructured its Corporate Campus Building initiative into a broader Corporate Campus Development Program, reallocating remaining funds to build a ready-for-occupancy Convention Center, office spaces, and the P67.6-million APECO Grand Lagoon. The combined remaining budget for these initiatives stands at P120 million.
This aggressive revitalization aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ‘s 2024 directive to complete unfinished government projects in APECO. “We are transforming legacy problems into productive assets,” Taway said. “This is our way of fulfilling President Marcos’ directive to finish what was started and unlock the full economic potential of APECO.”
APECO is also seeking an expanded P262-million budget to scale up infrastructure delivery, particularly in roads, utilities, and support systems critical to drawing in investors. “We’re rebuilding APECO the right way, and the renewed confidence from Congress is a signal that the era of Bagong APECO has truly begun,” Taway added.
