The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) is courting Canadian renewable energy developer JCM Power to explore solar and wind projects that could help attract manufacturers, industrial locators and data centers to Casiguran, Aurora.
A memorandum of understanding signed on November 14 provides a framework for assessing renewable energy investments within the economic zone, where access to reliable power will be critical to attracting energy-intensive industries and digital infrastructure.
APECO President and CEO Gil G. Taway IV and JCM Power CEO Jon Bahen signed the agreement in Pasay City, witnessed by Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the signing during his Philippine visit for the 2026 ASEAN Summit. The partnership was also presented at the Canada-ASEAN Business Forum on November 15.
For APECO, the proposed projects could help address one of the key requirements for industrial expansion: a dependable electricity supply that can support new businesses while advancing the country’s shift to cleaner energy.
The agreement follows APECO’s investment mission to Canada, where it sought partnerships with Canadian companies and promoted investment opportunities in the economic zone. The authority identified the JCM Power engagement as one of the mission’s concrete outcomes.
The partnership also comes amid efforts to deepen economic ties following the announced conclusion of negotiations for a Philippines-Canada free trade agreement, which is expected to widen opportunities for bilateral trade and investment.
APECO credited the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa and the Canadian Embassy in Manila for helping facilitate the partnership.
The MOU, however, is still exploratory. Neither party disclosed proposed project capacities, investment costs, development timelines or how electricity from the projects might be supplied to locators.
