The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) is eyeing memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with Spanish engineering firm IDOM Consulting, Engineering, Architecture S.A.U. and major exhibition sites consultant, designer, and manager Fira Barcelona, following its investment mission to Spain from Sept. 29 to Oct. 3, 2025.
APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV said the discussions with IDOM Director for Logistics and Operations Jaume Mas Vilella centered on the development of a food and cold chain logistics hub as well as port infrastructure development in its ecozone in Casiguran, Aurora.
“IDOM’s expertise in large-scale infrastructure will help strengthen the ecozone’s logistics and agri-industrial capabilities,” PCEO Taway said. “It complements the agricultural and fisheries-based economic activities in Casiguran, giving our farmers and fisherfolk direct and closer access to markets.”
IDOM has an existing presence in the Philippine market.
PCEO Taway said APECO proposes with IDOM the feasibility study for a five- to 10-hectare food and logistics hub inspired by Barcelona’s Mercabarna—a 100-hectare wholesale and logistics complex developed by the city government. The project aims to encourage agricultural production and value-adding industries in Casiguran while improving the local food supply chain, following its food security thrust.
The APECO chief further mentioned that IDOM expressed interest in assisting the investment promotion agency in designing its port facilities and cold chain logistics system, as well as supporting access to investment-ready projects that may be of interest with IDOM’s partners such as the Asian Development Bank.
“IDOM’s proposal aligns with our goal to make Casiguran the Fishing Capital of the Pacific and our vision of boosting agricultural output while promoting value-adding activities for Aurora’s agri-based industries. This partnership can help us build the infrastructure backbone that supports food security, investment, and job creation,” he added.
Apart from IDOM, APECO also met with Fira Barcelona International CEO Ricard Zapatero to explore possible collaboration on developing a world-class convention center within the ecozone. Fira, majority owned by the Catalonia regional government and Barcelona city government, is one of Europe’s leading event organizers and manages large premium event centers.
Fira expressed willingness to assist APECO in conducting a feasibility study for the proposed convention center and encouraged integrating surrounding commercial and smart-city developments to ensure sustainability.
This is also aligned with APECO’s mandate of promoting economic growth in Aurora, particularly in Dinalungan, Casiguran, and Dilasag (DiCaDi) corridor, as well as the whole province of Aurora and the entire Central Luzon through tourism by bringing in meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE).
PCEO Taway said a working group will be formed to draft the MOUs and finalize the list of projects with IDOM and Fira as part of its continuing efforts to attract world-class investors and partners.
“Our meetings with Fira Barcelona and IDOM opened concrete opportunities for collaboration that align with APECO’s master development plan. These partnerships can help bring world-class infrastructure and investment to Casiguran,” he said.
During the investment mission to Spain, APECO met a total of 11 companies including IDOM, Fira Barcelona, Amper Group, Geomystra, EM&E, Rafael de Hoz Architects, L35 Architects, GlobalTec, ACCIO, Port de Barcelona, and Mercabana.