Insider spotlight:
The transaction, concluded on June 17 in Quezon City, includes the donation of 5.2 hectares and the sale of 6.8 hectares from the Chua Cham family, represented by Atty. Edward Chua Cham and Magdalena Chua Cham.
“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 percent less than the previous buying rate, which we consider highly advantageous to the government,” president and CEO Gil Taway IV said.
Why it matters
The new land will allow APECO to redevelop its Casiguran airstrip into a commercial airport, a critical step in its plan to attract trade, tourism, and investment to northeastern Luzon.
Taway added, “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 APECO’s current direction, a powerful vote of confidence in our goal of Bagong APECO.”
What they’re saying
Atty. Chua Cham said the family’s participation reflects support for broader national goals.
“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.”
What’s next
APECO is working with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines to fast-track a Permit to Operate, following an inspection in February. Taway said the airport will “serve as a gateway to new opportunities for the Philippines.”
