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The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority backed the proposed development of defense facilities overlooking the country’s Pacific waters
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APECO said the initiative could boost national security and promote industrial and economic growth
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APECO president Gil Taway IV said defense infrastructure could help build domestic capabilities, attract technology and investment, and generate economic activity
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Taway identified potential opportunities in maintenance, repair and overhaul, aerospace and unmanned systems, maritime logistics, warehousing and research.
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APECO’s 12,923-hectare zone in Casiguran, Aurora has Pacific access, an existing airstrip and a planned Casiguran International New Port
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The economic zone is also being positioned for logistics, energy, fisheries, digital infrastructure and advanced industrial activities
The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) supports the proposed development of defense facilities overlooking the country’s Pacific waters, saying the initiative could strengthen national security while opening opportunities for industrial and economic development.
APECO issued the statement after Defense secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. called for infrastructure to support and sustain the country’s defense capabilities, including strategic installations positioned along the eastern seaboard.
APECO president and CEO undersecretary Gil Taway IV said the proposal highlights the need to treat defense infrastructure not only as a security requirement but also as part of a broader national industrial policy.
“Secretary Teodoro’s statement recognizes that areas facing the Pacific have a role to play in national security, but that role can also generate economic opportunities. Strategic infrastructure can support defense readiness while creating an ecosystem for manufacturing, maintenance, logistics, technology and other dual-use industries,” Taway said.
Located in Casiguran, Aurora, APECO covers 12,923 hectares along Luzon’s eastern seaboard, with direct access to the Pacific Ocean, the Philippine Rise and wider Indo-Pacific routes.
The zone is naturally sheltered by the San Ildefonso Peninsula to the east and the Sierra Madre to the west. It also has an existing airstrip and a planned Casiguran International New Port, providing potential infrastructure for industries requiring large spaces, maritime access and proximity to Pacific routes.
Taway said these features make defense and security-related activities a potential niche for APECO alongside logistics, energy, fisheries, digital infrastructure and advanced industrial activities.
READ: APECO puts spotlight on Casiguran as complementary Pacific-facing logistics hub
He said APECO is also looking at opportunities within the broader defense-industrial ecosystem, including maintenance, repair and overhaul, aerospace and unmanned systems, maritime logistics, warehousing, research and technologies with both civilian and security applications.
“The development of such an ecosystem in APECO could also strengthen the Philippines’ role in Indo-Pacific stability while contributing to economic resilience,” Taway said.
“APECO hopes to be part of that national effort by developing a responsible industrial ecosystem in the Pacific seaboard that serves both the country’s security interests and its economic ambitions,” he added.
APECO stated that its position at the crossroads of Indo-Pacific trade routes and the government’s national defense priorities enables the economic zone to develop defense-related and strategic industries as part of a wider industrial policy.
