Casiguran, Aurora – A delegation from the Department of Trade and Industry – Supply Chain and Logistics Group (DTI-SCLG), led by Undersecretary Mary Jean T. Pacheco, visited the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) from March 2–4, 2026 to explore opportunities for strengthening logistics development and supply chain integration in the regions.
APECO President and CEO Gil G. Taway IV welcomed the delegation at the APECO Head Office in Casiguran. The visit followed an earlier coordination meeting between APECO Business Development and Marketing Manager Gene Angelo P. Ferrer and Usec. Pacheco in Makati City on February 4, 2026. The purpose was to assess Aurora’s current logistics landscape and identify strategic projects to position APECO as an emerging hub for trade, industry, and logistics along the country’s eastern seaboard.
Joining the delegation were experts from Philippine Pharma Procurement, Inc., Mr. Teofilo T. Arriola; University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP-NCPAG) Center for Policy and Executive Development (CPED) Director Enrico L. Basilio; and REID Foundation Vice President and Head of Research, Professor Ronilo Balbieran.
The activity was assisted by DTI Aurora Provincial Office, led by Provincial Director Aldrin M. Veneracion, with Business Development Division Head Bryan Omar D. Sardea and Trade-Industry Development Specialist Judelyn L. Peneyra.
During the visit, the delegation toured key APECO facilities, including the Super Health Center, Central Water System and Reservoir, and the APECO Airstrip. The team also inspected the proposed site for the International Sea Port in Bangas Point and the existing Dibacong Port, managed by the Philippine Ports Authority. Highlighting Northern Aurora’s potential for tourism, APECO showcased several local attractions that could complement industrial and logistics growth.
A technical planning workshop was also held, providing a platform for DTI SCLG, DTI Aurora, and APECO officials to discuss broad development strategies. Key topics included strengthening logistics infrastructure, enhancing supply chain systems, and identifying investment opportunities in strategic industries such as fisheries, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, defense, data center operations, and high-end tourism, targeting large-scale international visitors.
APECO expressed appreciation to DTI-SCLG and partner institutions for their ongoing support in advancing logistics development, which aims to improve connectivity, attract investments, and unlock Aurora’s potential as a strategic gateway along the eastern seaboard.
DTI Aurora reaffirmed its commitment to supporting APECO through investment promotion, supply chain initiatives, and strengthened coordination with national and local stakeholders to help realize the ecozone’s development plans and maximize economic opportunities for the province.
