BALER, Aurora (PIA) — The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO)’s long-term development direction gained stronger national policy support following the approval of the 2026 Strategic Investment Priority Plan (2026 SIPP).
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed the plan to set the country’s priority investment areas and align major development strategies to support national growth and key sectors.
APECO President and Chief Executive Officer Gil Taway IV said the approval affirms the development path the zone has laid out for Aurora and the eastern seaboard, including its transformation into the country’s National Defense Hub, Fishing Capital of the Pacific, and Clean Energy Hub.
“These three strategic pillars directly support the Marcos administration’s goals of strengthening national security, ensuring food security, and advancing energy security,” he said.
Taway said the priority plan is a strong affirmation of APECO’s direction, noting that it aligns with the economic activities the zone is actively promoting.
“What makes the 2026 SIPP particularly significant for APECO is that many of the economic activities we are actively promoting are among the country’s priority investment areas,” he said.
The alignment covers Tier 1 priority sectors, including agriculture, fishery, and forestry development; the processing and manufacturing of agricultural and fishery products; aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul services.
It also covers telecommunications infrastructure and services; ports and transport systems; industrial zones; logistics centers; training facilities; housing; and power generation and energy storage.
“The alignment becomes even more evident under Tier 2, which includes defense-related service activities, renewable energy, and food security-related investments,” Taway said.
He said these sectors position APECO as a platform where national priorities can converge through investments and public-private partnerships.
“The 2026 SIPP presents an opportunity to translate national policy into tangible local benefits,” he said.
Taway said these benefits include jobs, livelihood opportunities, and skills training for local communities and Indigenous Peoples.
“These high-value industries have the potential to generate quality employment, encourage technology transfer, and position Aurora as an emerging center for innovation and advanced industries,” he said.
He added that aligning APECO’s direction with national priorities supports inclusive growth while advancing security, resilience, and sustainability goals. (CLJD/MAT, PIA Region 3-Aurora)
