Apeco to rev up airport, infra projects

With a significantly higher budget for 2026, the Aurora Pacific Economic and Freeport Zone (Apeco) plans to push forward major infrastructure projects. These include the development of an airport for commercial and logistics use.

Under the 2026 General Appropriations Act, the government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) based in Casiguran, Aurora will receive P381.54 million, up 45.63 percent from P262 million in 2025.

In an interview on Tuesday, Apeco president and CEO Gil Taway IV said part of the additional funding will be used to develop the 1.32-kilometer Casiguran airstrip into the proposed Apeco Airport.

Currently, the facility handles only chartered flights under a one-time permit. To open it to commercial operations, Apeco must complete several corrective measures. These include apron markings, perimeter fencing and the delivery of a firetruck, Taway said.

One of the most anticipated upgrades for the planned Apeco Airport is its terminal building. In 2022, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) estimated the construction cost for the building to be P31 million.

Taway said the terminal could be completed by August or September if bidding began by February.

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Looking ahead, Apeco is also planning to build an air traffic control tower, estimated to cost P39 million. Taway said this could be funded from savings.

Unlike national government agencies, GOCCs are not required to return unspent funds to the Bureau of Treasury, allowing Apeco to tap accumulated savings.

This airport is expected to support tourism and logistics in Aurora.