APECO secures 12-hectare land for airport development
The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) has acquired an additional 12 hectares of land for the development of the existing APECO Airstrip into a commercial airport.
In a news release on Wednesday, APECO said the 12-hectare land is located in Barangay Esteves, Casiguran.
The acquisition was sealed with landowners, Atty. Edward Chua Cham and Magdalena Chua Cham, through an agreement signed with APECO president and CEO Atty. Gil Taway IV.
Under the agreement, the Chua Cham family donated 5.2 hectares of land to APECO, representing half of the Casiguran airstrip located in the economic zone, and sold an additional 6.8 hectares.
'APECO's potential to do more depends on the amount of land we administer. In our continuing land acquisition efforts, we were left with higher rates beyond the zonal valuation. APECO, however, was able to acquire the property from the Chua Cham family at 50% less than the previous buying rate, which we consider highly advantageous to the government,' Taway said.
'Their contribution strengthens our capacity to realize inclusive economic development for the people of Aurora. Their generosity is a testament to the growing public support for APECO's current direction, a powerful vote of confidence in our goal of Bagong APECO,' he added.
Atty. Chua Cham said donating and selling their land are their family's way of supporting APECO's vision of bringing progress and opportunities to the northeastern part of Luzon.
'We believe that the development of the APECO Airport is not just a project for Casiguran; it is a project for the Filipino people. This is our small way of contributing to nation-building. We have seen how determined the current administration and APECO's leadership are in driving economic development in Aurora. We hope that our gesture encourages others to support projects that aim to uplift communities and boost economic development,' he said.
The APECO Airport is a critical infrastructure project that will significantly improve accessibility to Aurora and the northeastern Luzon economic corridor.
The operationalization of the APECO Airport is also aimed at boosting investments and trade by providing direct air links for business travelers, investors, and cargo.
In February 2025, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) inspected and assessed the condition of the Casiguran airstrip. The visit paved the way for recommendations for the issuance of a Permit to Operate (PTO).
'We are working with CAAP and other key agencies to fast-track this project. The APECO Airport will not only serve as a gateway to Aurora, but it will also be a gateway to new opportunities for the Philippines,' Taway said. — VBL, GMA Integrated News
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