Casiguran, Aurora - The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) is looking to forge a partnership with the United States to construct the Philippines' first national defense hub. This initiative, based within its ecozone in Casiguran, Aurora, seeks to capitalize on strategic geographical advantages and bolster national security.
According to Philippines News Agency, President and Chief Executive Officer of APECO, the organization recently completed an investment mission in the US on August 26, aiming to attract American businesses to invest in the Aurora ecozone. During the mission, Taway met with Philippine Ambassador to the US, Jose Manuel Romualdez, on August 14, 2024, who expressed his full support for APECO's vision.
The delegation's activities included discussions with key US defense personnel such as Defense and Armed Forces Attaché Col. Roy Anthony Derilo of the Philippine Army, and Naval Attaché Capt. James Francis Lugtu of the Philippine Navy. These meetings are seen as pivotal first steps in connecting APECO with influential figures in the US defense industry.
"Receiving Ambassador Romualdez' endorsement is a significant milestone towards APECO's strategic direction to become the Philippines' first national defense hub," stated Taway. He highlighted the ecozone's proximity to the Philippine Rise and its unique position as the only ecozone with direct access to the Pacific Eastern seaboard, making it a strategic location amidst the ongoing conflict in the West Philippine Sea.
Taway further noted the locational benefits of Casiguran, shielded by the Sierra Madre Mountain Range and the San Ildefonso Peninsula, presenting it as an ideal site for the defense industry. He reassured potential US investors of APECO’s commitment to ease of doing business, emphasizing the zone’s strategic importance and its foundational vision in national defense.
"APECO's identity is firmly rooted in our vision to become the first national defense-oriented economic zone in the country. This direction will only come to fruition with proactive engagement from our American allies," concluded Taway.