APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV and BFAR-III Regional Director Wilfredo M. Cruz signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on July 11 at the APECO Administration Building in Barangay Esteves.
The deal outlines initiatives aimed at developing salt-making and seaweed farming facilities, exploring a legislated marine hatchery, and establishing a vessel monitoring system to promote sustainability in the Philippine Rise and Philippine Sea.
“Bagong APECO continues to find new allies; today we formally welcome BFAR as our partner for development,” said Taway. “These initiatives aim to empower our local communities and transform Casiguran into a hub for marine-based investments.”
Among the projects under the agreement is a one-hectare inland salt production facility in Barangay Cozo. With an estimated investment of P10 million, the plant will produce artisanal salt for local use and export, and is expected to create 30 direct jobs.
The partnership also seeks to establish commercial-scale seaweed farming across three barangays—Diniog, Dalugan, and Cozo. Each site will host seaweed cultivation and drying facilities spanning up to one hectare, generating income for coastal households through both culinary use and exports.
A marine hatchery is likewise planned within the ecozone, with a projected cost of P40 million to P50 million. The hatchery will produce fingerlings for fish farming nationwide, operating on a year-round, three- to four-month cycle per batch.
Beyond livelihood generation, the MOU includes the establishment of a vessel monitoring system (VMS) to enhance maritime surveillance in the Eastern Seaboard and Philippine Rise. The VMS is expected to support future port developments, with provisions for secure access by civilian and security agencies.
On the same day, APECO and BFAR conducted a sea trial of the Doña Aurora vessel, a move seen as a step toward enhanced coastal monitoring.
“Bagong APECO is truly a welcome development,” said Cruz. “There were many plans in the past, but now we are aligned with APECO toward genuine, sustainable development in Aurora.”
With current infrastructure priorities, Cruz said, Casiguran has the potential to become a model for other coastal areas in the country. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
