CASIGURAN, Aurora – The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) will reopen its accommodation facilities in Casiguran this October, part of its transformation efforts and in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s push to revitalize the tourism sector.
The newly rehabilitated facilities include the 20-room APECO Residences, seven two-bedroom APECO Executive Villas, and a three-bedroom APECO Executive Kubo, all overlooking the Sierra Madre mountain range and Casiguran Cove.
APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV said the ₱44-million rehabilitation project, funded under the 2024 budget, also covers the construction of three control points and two more villas inside the ecozone.
“The newly renovated tourism properties inside the ecozone will not only serve visitors but also create opportunities for our local communities and strengthen Aurora’s position as a rising destination in the Pacific corridor. This is APECO—where the Pacific meets Paradise,” Taway said.
With full occupancy, the facilities are expected to generate enough income within three to five years to cover APECO’s ₱57-million annual personnel service budget, providing a sustainable revenue stream for operations and national coffers.
The reopening supports Marcos’ tourism agenda. During his September 1 visit to Baler, the President distributed financial and training assistance to over 1,000 typhoon-affected tourism workers under the Bukas na May Pag-asa Para sa Turismo (BBMT) program. Marcos highlighted tourism’s contribution of over 8% to the country’s GDP.
APECO has also invested in landscaping and site development, with green spaces, native plants, and walkways to complement Aurora’s natural beauty. Officials said the goal is to make the facility “not just a place to stay but a destination in itself.”
The APECO Airstrip has also reopened to chartered flights under a one-time permit. The agency is working to secure a Permit to Operate by year’s end to eventually allow commercial flights into Casiguran.
Beyond accommodations, the move is expected to spur economic activity in Northern Aurora, boosting demand for goods, food, transport, and other services while promoting the Dinalungan–Casiguran–Dilasag (DiCaDi) corridor as a tourism hub.
APECO is also converting the JPEC Buildings into the APECO Legacy Villas under a ₱20-million project funded through its 2024 savings.
Reservations are now open at apeco.gov.ph/hotel-and-villas.