The Philippines through Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) positioned its ecozone as a strategic transshipment hub for Indonesian businesses during its 1st APECO Business Forum held at Conrad Manila, attended by the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) delegation. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian graced the event as guest of honor.
APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV highlighted Casiguran, Aurora’s direct Pacific access as a competitive advantage, offering Indonesian exporters shorter shipping routes to Japan, Korea, and the U.S. West Coast.
“APECO is located at the center of the Indo-Pacific Corridor. For Indonesian exporters, this means reduced cost, faster delivery, and more resilient supply chains,” Taway said, noting the zone’s potential as an alternative maritime route amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.
He pointed to complementarities between the two nations: Indonesia’s mineral and agricultural resources and Aurora’s fisheries, coconut plantations, and renewable energy prospects. Investment opportunities include cold storage, halal-certified food processing, coconut-based products, and green energy projects, as well as positioning APECO for defense logistics and eco-tourism.
Taway also addressed APECO’s past controversies, framing its turnaround as a “story of redemption.” Since taking office in 2023, he said management has revived nearly ₱800 million worth of abandoned infrastructure projects and delivered new facilities including a Super Health Center, sewage treatment plant, and underground power lines.
“For us, reform meant finishing what was left behind and building the confidence of our stakeholders. APECO is no longer defined by old issues—it is now redefined by a shared vision for growth,” Taway said.
Meanwhile, Senator Gatchalian lauded APECO’s transformation, saying its focus on food, energy, security, and eco-tourism aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s national development agenda.
“APECO is undergoing a rapid transformation and readiness,” the senator remarked.
