The agreement, signed Thursday, May 21, 2026, seeks to strengthen collaboration in developing public-private partnership projects that would attract more investments to the province and support APECO’s vision of becoming the country’s emerging “Gateway to the Pacific.”
In a statement, APECO President and CEO Undersecretary Gil G. Taway IV said the partnership is expected to fast-track the implementation of key infrastructure projects, particularly the Casiguran International New Port (CINP) and the Casiguran International Airport.
“These flagship projects are critical in positioning Aurora as a strategic investment and logistics hub in Northern Luzon,” Taway said.
Taway signed the MOA on behalf of APECO while PPP Center Executive Director Undersecretary Rizza Blanco-Latorre represented the agency. Also present during the signing were APECO administrative and finance manager Rexzon Balacano and PPP Center Deputy Executive Director Assistant Secretary Eleazar E. Ricote.
Technical support
Under the agreement, the PPP Center will provide technical assistance and advisory support to APECO in project development, structuring, evaluation, procurement, and implementation of PPP projects.
This includes the preparation of feasibility studies, conduct of business case analyses for qualified projects, and evaluation of unsolicited proposals in accordance with Republic Act No. 11966, or the Public-Private Partnership Code of the Philippines.
The PPP Center will also assist APECO in determining eligibility for support under the Project Development and Monitoring Facility (PDMF).
“The PPP Center’s technical expertise will be critical in ensuring that APECO’s priority projects are properly structured, bankable, and aligned with national development goals,” Taway said.
Expanding investments
Aside from the airport and seaport projects, Taway said the partnership would help build a pipeline of PPP initiatives aimed at attracting private sector investments in infrastructure, tourism, industry, and related sectors.
For its part, APECO committed to provide access to relevant project documents and designate a dedicated PPP unit to coordinate project development and implementation activities.
Blanco-Latorre said the partnership reflects the government’s broader push to expand private sector participation in infrastructure development.
“Ultimately, this collaboration is about creating bankable, inclusive, and future-ready infrastructure that will unlock economic opportunities not only for Aurora, but for the broader Luzon growth corridor,” she said.
The PPP Center also recently concluded a two-day workshop for APECO officials focused on strengthening capabilities in undertaking PPP projects. Among the outputs were project concept notes for the CINP, Casiguran airport, pharmaceutical hub, and national defense hub. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
