The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) reported Friday that it had completed PHP196.78 million worth of infrastructure projects as of February.

APECO inaugurated three new facilities worth PHP81.78 million on Thursday — PHP16.83-million Super Health Center (SHC), PHP4.95-million Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), and PHP60-million Central Water Supply and Reservoir System Phase 1 (CWSR).

“These new infrastructure projects not only support the businesses within the zone, but also enhances the overall appeal of APECO as an attractive investment destination,” APECO president and chief executive officer Gil Taway said in a news release.

“We are confident that these developments will further strengthen our value proposition for future investors and shall demonstrate our readiness for further investments and industrial growth,” he added.

Taway said completing the projects, especially the utilities, is crucial to entice businesses to locate in the Aurora ecozone, east of Central Luzon.

Aurora Lone District Rep. Rommel Angara welcomed the opening of the SHC, which he said added “immense value” to the entire province.

“By providing accessible, reliable medical care, we are enhancing the well-being of our community and our workforce while also offering locators a key service that supports their operations and growth within the economic zone,” Angara said in a statement.

“It’s an example of how APECO is proactively addressing the needs of both locators and their employees, making the region an even more attractive place to invest and operate in,” he added.

Aside from providing health care services to its future locators and the community, the SHC is also vital to attract more tourists, especially in the area of Dinalungan-Casiguran-Dilasag.

The IPA is eyeing to attract senior tourism by having retirement facilities; sites for trainings, triathlons, and domestic and international meets; and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions.

The MRF aims provide solution for waste management in the ecozone. It promotes recycling and sustainability by efficiently sorting and processing waste to reduce landfill use.

“By investing in sustainable infrastructure, APECO is showing that we value both economic growth and environmental stewardship. This will undoubtedly enhance the zone’s appeal to investors looking for a responsible and forward-thinking place to do business,” APECO director Rene Tayag said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the ecozone in Casiguran now have a reliable water supply with the completion of the CWSR-1. (PNA)