APECO and Virginia-based defense logistics company Anglicotech Philippines Inc. have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the proposed development of a drone port within the Casiguran ecozone to support both military and civilian applications.
Why it matters
The proposed facility could strengthen the Philippines' capacity to test, operate, maintain and eventually manufacture unmanned aerial and maritime systems, supporting national security, disaster response and maritime surveillance.
The project also aligns with government efforts to develop domestic defense industries and reduce dependence on imported equipment and technology.
APECO President and CEO Undersecretary Gil G. Taway IV and Anglicotech CEO David Cooper signed the agreement at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., during APECO's investment promotion mission to the United States from Oct. 24 to 30, 2026.
Anglicotech, which established a presence in Subic in 2024, provides defense logistics, command-and-control systems and foreign military sales support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the US government.
Phased development
The proposed drone port, envisioned as a Center of Excellence for aerial and maritime drones, would occupy an indicative five-hectare site and be developed in phases, APECO said in a statement.
The initial phase would focus on testing and evaluating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and maritime drones, alongside training programs for remote pilots and operators.
Subsequent phases would introduce mixed operations involving manned and unmanned aircraft and vessels, as well as drone applications for logistics, disaster response, maritime surveillance and search-and-rescue missions.
Longer-term plans include maintenance, repair and overhaul services, drone manufacturing, systems integration and component production, potentially involving partnerships with original equipment manufacturers.
"The country is building its own capacity to produce, service and operate advanced systems that serve both national security and civilian needs," Taway said.
Strategic location
APECO said its location offers advantages for unmanned systems development, including relatively uncongested airspace, an existing airstrip and access to both sheltered and open-sea environments.
The ecozone's airstrip is being positioned for dual-use civilian and military operations, while nearby Casiguran Sound provides sheltered waters suitable for maritime drone testing.
Its direct access to the Pacific could also support maritime monitoring and drone-assisted disaster response, particularly as Aurora is frequently exposed to typhoons.
Investment roadmap
The agreement follows discussions that began in 2024 and subsequent site inspections and investment consultations in 2025.
Under the MOU, Anglicotech will prepare business and site development plans covering technical requirements, financing, operations and indicative implementation schedules.
APECO will assist in identifying suitable locations, coordinating infrastructure requirements and facilitating regulatory processes, including enterprise registration and access to incentives under the CREATE MORE Act.
The proposed investment remains exploratory, with implementation subject to further planning and development arrangements.
Defense industry push
The initiative supports Republic Act No. 12024, or the Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act, which seeks to strengthen domestic capabilities in producing, assembling and servicing strategic defense equipment.
APECO is positioning its 12,923-hectare economic zone as a national defense and technology hub, attracting investments in advanced manufacturing, strategic infrastructure and dual-use industries. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
