Manila: The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) has declared its robust support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s dedication to reforming the energy sector in the Philippines, a commitment highlighted during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
According to Philippines News Agency, APECO’s President and Chief Executive Officer, lawyer Gil Taway IV, praised the President for acknowledging the ongoing challenges related to energy accessibility, affordability, and reliability, particularly in areas that are underserved. Taway emphasized APECO’s alignment with the government’s efforts to enhance energy access and reduce power costs through sustainable, renewable energy solutions.
Taway pointed out that, as President Marcos Jr. highlighted, over three million Filipino households are still without electricity, with many more facing high costs and unreliable power. This issue is notably prevalent in the province of Aurora, where remote communities remain without electricity, deterring potential investors despite the presence of an economic zone.
APECO is actively addressing these challenges by prioritizing renewable energy as a key development focus within its zone in Casiguran, Aurora. Taway noted that Casiguran, with its abundant untapped resources for solar, wind, and hydropower, is strategically positioned to contribute significantly to the national goal of increasing the share of renewable energy to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.
One of APECO’s major projects is a 16.8-megawatt solar power initiative led by Pacific Impact. This project aims to enhance energy access and reliability, while also promoting sustainable industrialization in the region. Taway highlighted that this initiative not only reinforces APECO’s energy infrastructure but also signals their readiness to attract investment, especially as they work to rebrand the ecozone as the Fishing Capital of the Pacific and the nation’s first national defense hub, where reliable and clean energy is essential.
