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Undersecretary Gil Taway IV gets a fresh three-year term as president and chief executive officer of the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority, vowing to speed up investment and infrastructure development
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APECO built an investment pipeline worth approximately P30 billion involving 15 prospective locators during Taway’s first term
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Two prospective locators are expected to begin operations this year
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APECO reported around 1,200 jobs generated through infrastructure projects, alongside an increase in its workforce to 253 employees, 60 of whom are Indigenous Peoples
Undersecretary Gil Taway IV has been reappointed president and chief executive officer of the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) for another three-year term, vowing to accelerate investment realization and infrastructure development in the economic zone.
“We want the government to act as an entrepreneurial pioneer, using public resources to help unlock investments and deliver inclusive growth in areas that have long been underserved,” Taway said as he took his fresh oath of office and delivered the 2026 State of APECO Address on October 12 in Casiguran before barangay captains from the town.
The oath-taking was led by Esteves barangay captain Eliseo Castaneda and witnessed by Dinalungan mayor Arvee Vargas, Casiguran mayor Roynald Soriano and Dilasag mayor Romner A. Agustin, as well as Indigenous Peoples’ (IP) chieftains from the area.
During Taway’s first term, APECO reported that it developed an investment pipeline worth approximately P30 billion involving 15 prospective locators in renewable energy, defense, cold storage and warehousing, tourism, health, training and skills development, and digital connectivity.
READ: APECO, Huge Energy sign MOU for renewable energy project in Aurora
His reappointment comes as the agency works to turn these investment prospects into operating businesses, completed infrastructure, and jobs for residents of Aurora and neighboring communities.
APECO also pursued institutional reforms and shifted toward industrial and community-based development to restore investor confidence following its association with Philippine offshore gaming operations.
Cleaning up, expanding ground
Among Taway’s key accomplishments was addressing nearly P800 million in abandoned infrastructure projects, fulfilling his commitment to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. These included underground power distribution lines, a central water supply and reservoir, a sewage treatment plant, and the economic zone’s road network.
Under his term, the agency also completed 30 capital assets and secured an additional 20.9 hectares of land, including property intended for airport development.
During Taway’s first three years, APECO generated an additional 135 positions within the agency and around 1,200 jobs through infrastructure development within the economic zone.
APECO’s workforce grew to 253 employees, 60 of whom are IP members. Of the approximately 1,200 jobs generated through infrastructure projects, 1,060 were for skilled workers and laborers, 100 for technical workers and engineering assistants, and 35 for engineers.
The agency also strengthened its engagement with IPs in the Dinalungan-Casiguran-Dilasag (DiCaDi) area, supporting their efforts to secure Certificates of Ancestral Domain Title through the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples.
APECO also reported generating savings through competitive bidding as part of efforts to promote transparency, fiscal discipline and the efficient use of public funds.
The agency also strengthened coordination with national government agencies to advance investment promotion, project development and regulatory compliance.
These agencies include: Department of Trade and Industry, particularly the Board of Investments and its Supply Chain and Logistics Group, Foreign Trade Service Corps, Public-Private Partnership Center, Department of National Defense, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Office of the Government Corporate Counsel, National Development Company, National Anti-Poverty Commission.
The coordination also supports infrastructure, energy, aviation, telecommunications and environmental management initiatives.
Locators
Two prospective locators are expected to begin operations this year: International Workplace Group and Freya Trading Inc. The planned facilities include a Super Health Center and the AuHarvest Training and Assessment Center, the latter with Australian equity, which is expected to provide workforce training and skills development in Aurora.
APECO and US defense logistics company Anglicotech LLC are in advanced negotiations, with construction of its proposed facility expected to begin soon.
Taway said his second term would focus on translating investor interest into concrete projects that generate jobs for residents of DiCaDi and the wider Aurora province, while positioning APECO as the country’s gateway to the Pacific.
Since 2024, APECO has engaged more than 40 global companies to explore investment opportunities in priority sectors, including renewable energy, defense, digital infrastructure, logistics, fisheries, tourism and industrial development.
