(Photo courtesy : PIA)
A P220-million wave of infrastructure investments is set to reshape the tourism prospects of northern Aurora, as the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority rolls out a coordinated development program aimed at improving access, upgrading facilities, and attracting long-term private investment.
The multi-phase initiative covers key projects inside the APECO ecozone in Casiguran and is designed to lay the groundwork for sustainable tourism growth rather than rely solely on destination marketing. By strengthening physical infrastructure, APECO officials believe northern Aurora can better position itself as a viable destination for both leisure travelers and investors.
APECO President and Chief Executive Officer Gil Taway IV said improved connectivity and modern facilities are critical to unlocking the area’s tourism potential. He noted that investors are more likely to commit once they see functional roads, business-ready buildings, and reliable airport infrastructure in place.
One of the flagship components of the program is Phase 1 of a convention center project worth P52 million. The facility is envisioned to support meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions, helping diversify tourism activities beyond traditional leisure travel and encouraging year-round visitor traffic.
Tourism offerings are also being expanded through Phase 2 of the Grand Lagoon development, which will begin in March. This phase builds on an ongoing P50-million project and includes additional leisure features such as gondola rides, glamping accommodations, and curated retail spaces aimed at enhancing the overall visitor experience.
In parallel, APECO is preparing to open one of three ready-for-occupancy buildings with a combined investment of P40 million. Scheduled to open in January, the facility will offer flexible office spaces, co-working areas, and venues for tourism-related enterprises and support services, providing an on-site base for businesses operating within the ecozone.
Aviation infrastructure is another major focus of the development push. In Casiguran, a P35-million airport terminal and a P43-million air traffic control tower are set for construction starting in March and April, respectively. According to Taway, these upgrades are expected to improve operational efficiency, enhance safety, and support the eventual entry of commercial flight services to northern Aurora.
Officials said the synchronized rollout of transport, tourism, and business infrastructure is expected to generate local employment, stimulate tourism-related economic activity, and encourage greater private-sector participation in the province.
Through the P220-million infrastructure program, APECO aims to build a self-sustaining tourism ecosystem—one that supports inclusive growth, strengthens local economies, and provides a stable foundation for long-term development in Aurora’s northern municipalities.