BALER, Aurora (PIA) — Senator Sherwin Gatchalian lauded the ongoing transformation of the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO), saying its renewed strategic direction supports national development.
The lawmaker was the keynote speaker during APECO’s First Business Forum in Pasay City which was attended by a delegation from the Indonesia Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
He noted that APECO’s strategic thrust of positioning the ecozone as a hub for food, energy, national security, and eco-tourism aligns with the socio-economic agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
“APECO is undergoing a rapid transformation and readiness,” Gatchalian furthered.
For his part, APECO President and CEO Gil Taway IV highlighted the ecozone’s strategic location, which provides Indonesian exporters a direct gateway to Northeast Asian and United States West Coast markets.
Being at the center of the Indo-Pacific Corridor, Aurora offers reduced costs, shorter transit times, and alternative maritime routes amid global trade disruptions.
“While others may offer access, APECO offers not only the nearest access but also a competitive advantage — your supply chains to northern Pacific markets and diversification of Indonesia’s export routes,” Taway told the Indonesian delegation.
Beyond direct Pacific access, Aurora also presents opportunities in fisheries, coconut plantations, and value-added ventures such as cold storage, canning, halal-certified food processing, and coconut-based additives as well as cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
“Together, we can open new markets, create jobs, and write a new chapter in Indonesia-Philippine relations. APECO is your new gateway to the Pacific,” Taway pressed.
The First APECO Business Forum strengthened Philippine-Indonesian economic ties within the Indo-Pacific framework, marking a step toward deeper engagement and broader regional cooperation.
It also positioned the state-owned firm as a platform for long-term investments, establishing Aurora as a strategic gateway to the Pacific and opening opportunities for jobs, innovation, and sustainable growth that will benefit local communities and the nation. (CLJD/MAT, PIA Region 3-Aurora)
