Aurora: The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) has announced the revival of infrastructure projects valued at nearly PHP800 million, which had been long-abandoned, underlining a robust commitment from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s administration to prepare APECO for investors.
According to Philippines News Agency, APECO confirmed that at least 10 major projects have either been completed, inaugurated, or are currently under active construction. APECO's president and CEO, lawyer Gil Taway IV, attributed the success of this revival to strong internal reforms and a directive from Malaca±ang to finish what was started. Taway emphasized that the initiative is not just about physical construction but about converting past failures into tangible progress.
The rehabilitation efforts include key utility infrastructures, such as the PHP60-million Central Water Supply and Reservoir (Phase 1), the PHP28-million Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) Phase 1, and the PHP12-million APECO Fire Station. The PHP70-million Underground Power Distribution Line (UPDL) project is also nearing completion, with Phase 1 already 98 percent complete.
Strategic projects like STP Phase 2, valued at PHP47 million, are in the pre-construction phase. Other projects, including the procurement of fire trucks and ambulances and the second phase of the water supply system, are in advanced development stages, as reported by Taway.
Additionally, APECO is re-envisioning its long-idle Corporate Campus Building. With just PHP17 million left from its original budget of PHP75 million, it has been incorporated into a larger Corporate Campus Development Program. This initiative includes plans for an APECO Convention Center and the PHP67.6-million Grand Lagoon, which now operates under a revised PHP120-million budget.
Support facilities have also undergone significant refurbishments, with PHP44 million spent on villas and residences, PHP16.83 million on a Super Health Center, and nearly PHP5 million on a Materials Recovery Facility.
Taway expressed optimism about the possibility of Congress increasing APECO's current PHP262-million allocation for 2025, emphasizing the need to establish foundational infrastructure such as roads, utilities, and service hubs to be ready for incoming investors.
