APECO gets P79-M grant from South Korea

Dec 6 2011 03:03 am

Published : Saturday, December 03, 2011

Written by : Mamer Bañez

CASIGURAN, Aurora -- The South Korean government has extended a P79.2-million grant to the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone (Apeco) to bankroll the feasibility studies for three major projects inside the ecozone.

Robbie Mathay, Apeco president and chief executive officer, said the Korean grant, which is coursed through the Korean Export-Import Bank, will be used to finance studies for water system, hydroelectric power and waste management systems inside the ecozone.

 He said the Korean grant not only manifests the Korean government’s resolve to help the Philippines, which has Korea as its fifth largest trade partner but also its confidence in the economic prospects and opportunities in Apeco.

Mathay said the Korean government has been very supportive in developing Apeco. Early this year, it funded a feasibility study through a P15-million grant from the Korean Economic Development Cooperation Fund for the construction of a  P2.4-billion international container seaport aimed to transform this economic zone into a logistics hub for exportation of agro-fishery, timber and industrial products in central and northern Luzon.

He said the seaport project is now awaiting approval of the National Economic Development Authority for funding under the Official Development Assistance of the Korean government with counterpart funding from the national government. A consortium composed of the Dasan Engineering and DY Engineering companies completed the feasibility study for the international container seaport after three months.

The proposed modern container port, which is projected to be finished in four years, will complement the domestic seaport and will attract business locators.

He added that the Korean government has also expressed interest in constructing an all-weather road in the remaining unpaved portion of the 120-kilometer Baler-Casiguran Road.

Source: http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/news/provincial/18716-apeco-gets-p79-m-grant-from-sokor

APECO GIFT GIVING 2011

DECEMBER 10, 2011

CASIGURAN, AURORA------This Christmas season, APECO Staff from Makati and Casiguran teamed up to give gifts for our fellow Casiguranins. Eight-hundred fifty pack of goods are given to the five barangays of Aurora.

MORE GIFT GIVING PICTURES! 

The gift giving was done in two days for the five barangays and almost 750 families. Merry Christmas! 

Dumagat leaders: Apeco will protect ancestral lands

written by Mamer Bañez

CASIGURAN, Aurora -- The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) reiterated its pledge to protect the ancestral domain of the Dumagats in North Eastern Luzon.

Robbie Mathay, CEO and president of Apeco, said Apeco would help the Dumagats protect and preserve their ancestral lands through projects that promote eco-tourism.

In the next few years, APECO sees tourism activities in Casiguran managed by the Bantay-Gubat from the indigenous Dumagat community.

Bantay-Gubat is a Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) project that hires emergency forest extension workers that would act as forest guards. They have the following duties: patrolling, monitoring for any sign of forest fire, seed collection, information gathering about ongoing activities, and assisting in information dissemination.

Dumagat leaders underscored the importance of cooperating with Apeco, coming in full support during the budget hearing in Senate last month. “We won’t accept money from Apeco,” said Conchita Descarga, Community Relations Officer of the Dumagats.

“We don’t need money, we need land. With regards to ancestral domain, Apeco knows our lands and they respect that it is ours,” she added, disputing claims of land grabbing.                        

VISIT AURORA YEAR : AMPERE BEACH

 2011 VISIT AURORA YEAR

Ampere beach

This beach is located in Ampere, Dipaculao. From Baler town, take a tryc going to Sabang Beach. From there, hire a motorized banka and ask the guy to take you to Ampere beach. From Baler, it takes around 30 mins to get there.

Ampere beach is full of different kinds of rocks (varying in sizes & darker in color) and is a good place for surfing. In this beach lies the Ampere Point wherein the local residents gather to the Okotan Cave, a time-honored locale forecasting the weather.

When the pacific waves hits the shoreline cave, it produces an explosion that determines the intensity of the incoming weather. 

WINNERS OF 26th APOLINARIO MABINI AWARDS ANNOUNCED

Amb. Cristina C. Ponce-Enrile, Committee Chairperson of the 2011 Mabini Awards, a biennial program of the Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled (PFRD) that seeks to honor persons with disabilities (PWDs) who have excelled in their chosen careers as well as individuals, groups and entities that have contributed much to the welfare of disabled individuals, recently announced the winners of the 26^th Apolinario Mabini Awards.

The much-coveted MABINI Presidential Award is given to Sister Ma.Paula Valeriana Baerts, ICM for her 59 years’ pioneering work to help disabled Filipinos. Two Special Mabini Awards had also been handed: Lauro C. Purcil in recognition of PWD-rights based advocacy & strong working role with the UNCRPD; and, Capt. Oscar P. Taleon (PN, Ret.) for exemplary leadership in PWD sector unification & ability to elicit cooperation from other advocates.

Awards conferred in other categories are: Rehabilitation Volunteer: Rizal C. Morales (Government) & John K. Chua (Private); Employer: Dept. of Foreign Affairs (Government), Shangri-la Makati (Private), Special Award – Mann Hann; Disabled Group: Makati Federation of Persons with Disabilities; Media Advocate: Special Award – Access Unlimited; Local Government Unit: Province of Aurora (Provincial), Municipality of Mariveles, Bataan (Municipal), Special Awards – Municipality of New Lucena, Iloilo & Municipality of  Opol, Misamis Oriental; and for Disabled Filipino of the Year:  David Casper Nathan A. Sergio.

For the Disabled-Friendly Establishment Award, three benchmarks had been established: 1^st, for the GOLD category: SM Tarlac; 2^nd, SILVER category: JP Morgan Chase Bldg., SM Calamba, SM North EDSA Annex, SM San Pablo, SM Marikina, SM Novaliches, SM Rosario, and, Ayala Cebu Mall; and 3^rd the BRONZE category: SM Bacoor, SM Baliuag, SM Batangas, SM Bicutan, SM Cebu Annex, SM Fairview, SM Iloilo, SM Lucena, SM Megamall, Sm Muntinlupa, SM Naga, SM Pampanga, SM Pasig, SM Rosales, SM Sucat, SM Valenzuela, SM North EDSA (InterZone, Sky Garden, The Block), SM Cagayan de Oro, Taal Vista Lodge, Ayala Marque Mall, Ayala Serendra, Ayala Techno Hub, Ayala The Link, and, Citibank Makati; Special ‘Mapagmahal sa May Kapansanan’ Awards: Mall of Asia; SM Program on Disability Affairs and Citibank.

This year’s Awards Committee Members are: Congw. Lani M. Revilla, Atty. Louise A. Marcos, Mayor Ma. Laarni L. Cayetano, Audrey Kay Tan Zubiri, Cynthia A. Villar, Kate H. Gordon, Milagros G. Drilon, Zeny R. Tanada. The Screening Committee was chaired by Arch. Jaime Silva with members Erlinda Koe, Dr. Therese Bustos, Joy Garcia, Nelia de Jesus and Randy Weisser.

2011 Mabini Awardees

SOURCE : http://www.ncda.gov.ph/2011/08/winners-of-26th-apolinario-mabini-awards-announced/

Written by jericomyzell · Filed Under Announcements, National News 

APECO EYES SEPARATE FUNDING FOR AIR; SEAPORTS

BY BUTCH FERNANDEZ

ADMINISTRATORS of the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) are eyeing separate funding sources to facilitate early completion of its air and seaport projects to attract more local and foreign investors to the region.

Roberto Mathay, APECO president and chief executive officer, confirmed ongoing efforts by the national government to tap the Korean Export-Import funding for the seaport project under the official development assistance (ODA) program.

Mathay said additional funding of P92 million is being allocated by the Philippine government in the annual national expenditure program to complete a proposed 1.5 kilometer airport runway, under the civil aeronautics authority.

This developed as Sen. Frank Drilon, finance committee chairman, announced after a public hearing on Wednesday that APECO's proposed 2012 budget, amounting to P332.5 million, is deemed submitted for approval, despite opposition from restive residents affected by the projects.

"We are going to try to tract more locators to APECO pa rin. Our mandate is to bring varied business interests in marine-culture business, as well as ecotourism to the zone so we can transform it to something the people from Casiguran can be proud of," Mathay said. "We are [also] looking to mariculture, or other businesses which are more fitting to the area. We would like to focus on small to medium enterprises, both from the Philippines and abroad."

Mathay disclosed they have, likewise, requested funding from Congress, as part of their capital outlay for this year, to have "a standard factory building where we can have smaller companies establish their operations in the zone."

He reported that the mariculture business at the zone include raising bangus and tilapia and processing these to fillet or fish ball which are then sold to the local market and nearby provinces, such as Isabela and Quirino. "Eventually, we may also export them." he added.

"There are other prospects. One company we are signing up plans to put up sea cages. We are trying to finalize the details [for their operation] by November," Mathay said.

APECO vows sustainable development in Northeast Luzon

Published : Thursday, October 06, 2011
Written by : Mamer Bañez


BALER,  Aurora -- The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) under the Department of  Trade and Industry reiterated its pledge to lead sustainable development in Northeast Luzon during the budget hearing at the Senate the other day.

“APECO would not only lead sustainable development in North Eastern Luzon but also to foster socio-economic growth and businesses throughout the eastern seaboard,” said Robby Mathay, president and chief executive officer of APECO.

Last month, the Congress approved the proposed P332.5-million 2012 budget of APECO amid protest from militant groups belonging to Catholic Church and Multi-Sectoral Group (MSAG).

During Apeco’s budget hearing by the Senate committee on finance chaired by Sen. Franklin Drilon, Mathay explained that the ongoing infrastructure development in Apeco is at full blast. The administration building and entrance plaza, costing P98 million and P15 million respectively, will be completed by November 2011. The hotel building worth P202 million will be completed by March 2012.

He also discussed the proposed infrastructure development for 2012 namely, the standard factory building worth P212.5 million and the Light Industrial building which is worth P180 million.

The Casiguran Airport’s 1.2 kilometer airstrip is being expanded to 1.5 kilometer worth P92 million. The extension project will be finished by June 2012.

Mathay also said four Taiwanese-owned companies have signified their interest to invest in mariculture, agri-business and port construction in APECO in recognition of the ecozone and province’s enormous potential for business expansion.

These are Chinabond which is now venturing into organic rice production in APECO, hog raising, feed processing and hydroelectric power generation; TP Color Corporation, which is also in the mining industry, is set to expand into port construction and operation; Philippine Kingford is a company that specializes in tuna export, ship repair and freight forwarding; Great Sun Optoelectronic is a highly diversified company engaged in construction, trading, manufacturing computer and TV monitors and providing medical services. It will invest in an aquaculture facility for milkfish and grouper breeding, as well as a coconut processing plant.


Source: http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/news/provincial/14737-apeco-vows-sustainable-devt-in-northeast-luzon

APECO TO STIMULATE ECONOMIC GROWTH IN NORTHEAST LUZON

The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) reiterated its pledge to lead sustainable development in Northeast Luzon during the budget hearing at the Senate today.

“APECO would not only lead sustainable development in North Eastern Luzon but also to foster socio-economic growth and businesses throughout the eastern seaboard,” said Robbie Mathay, president and chief executive officer of APECO.

The proposed budget for 2012 of APECO, an attached corporation to the Department of Trade and Industry, amounts to Php332.5 million.

Lending their support to APECO at the budget hearing were chieftains of indigenous Dumagat tribe and the board members of the provincial government of Aurora namely Butch Bautista, Ruben Alipio, Denia Valin, Oscar Padua, Renato Pascua, Cesar Pimentel and Consuelo Castillo.

Mathay showed that the on-going infrastructure development in APECO is at full blast. The administration building and entrance plaza, costing Php98 million and Php15 million respectively, will be completed by November 2011. The hotel building worth Php202 million will be completed by March 2012.

Mathay also discussed the proposed infrastructure development for 2012 namely the standard factory building worth Php212.5 million and the Light Industrial building which is worth Php180 million.

The Casiguran Airport’s 1.2 kilometer airship is being expanded to 1.5 kilometer worth Php92 million. The extension project will be finished by June 2012.

“What makes us different from other ecozones is that APECO is already green to start with and we want to keep it that way,” said Ramon Fernando, Deputy Administrator of APECO.

Casiguran, the northern municipality of Aurora where APECO is located, is an ideal starting point for the inflow of commerce as it will be able to capitalize on the Pacific’s re-emergence as the world’s premier maritime route and jumpstart the inflow of investments into the Northeastern quadrangle of Luzon.

Four Taiwanese-owned companies have signified their interest to invest in mariculture, agri-business and port construction in APECO in recognition of the ecozone and province’s enormous potential for business expansion.

All four companies affirmed their commitment to help develop APECO as a leading global transshipment and investment hub in the Pacific.

Chinabond has been in the mining industry since the 1980’s but is now venturing into organic rice production in APECO. It aims to improve the quality and yield of local rice varieties in Aurora. Chinabond is also looking into further investments in hog raising, feed processing and hydroelectric power generation.

TP Color Corporation, which is also in the mining industry, is set to expand into port construction and operation. The company initially plans to establish a port facility in APECO then later on go into the aquaculture business.

Philippine Kingford is a company that specializes in tuna export, ship repair and freight forwarding. The company has chosen APECO as the site of for its expansion into milkfish and grouper production, for which it will build its own facility in APECO.

Great Sun Optoelectronic is a highly diversified company engaged in construction, trading, manufacturing computer and TV monitors and providing medical services. It will invest in an aquaculture facility for milkfish and grouper breeding, as well as a coconut processing plant.

APECO spans 1,000 hectares and has a custom-designed seaport and airport that will drive economic activity in agro-industries, mariculture and ecotourism. (30)

APECO, STAKEHOLDERS PLEDGE SUPPORT FOR DUMAGATS OF AURORA

The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) hosted the 1^st Dumagat Center Needs and Assessment Consultation on September 16 to 17.

Dumagat chieftains and about 200 other Dumagats participated in the consultation held in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment, Department Trade and Industry, Department of Education, National Museum and the Aurora State College of Technology and local government units.

                Robbie Mathay, President of APECO, explained the purpose the meeting. “We are here to fulfill our duties to promote the socio-cultural development of the Dumagats in Aurora. We commit to uphold the partnership between APECO, the National Commission for Indigenous Peoples and the Dumagat community.”

He continued, “APECO hopes to empower the Dumagat community in exercising their right to self-governance and cultural integrity, and to help them preserve and promote their heritage.”

Mathay stressed that APECO  is committed to hearing out the needs and considering the concerns of the Dumagat community.

“The success of APECO and the progress of Aurora cannot happen without cooperation and unity,” said Mathay. (30)

Dumagat Center Needs and Assessment Consultation Banner

Local government officials signing the pledge

Dumagat Chieftain presenting their 5-year vision plan 

Government officials, Dumagat chieftains, APECO offficials and ComRel officers

ANGARA SUES PALAFOX FOR DEFAMATION

Senator Edgardo J. Angara has filed a libel suit against high-profile architect Felino Palafox Jr., who Angara said has been waging a “willful, wanton, reckless and malevolent campaign” to damage his reputation as a public servant.

Angara, in his suit filed on Monday (September 19) at the Pasay Regional Trial Court, also said that Palafox’s habit and pattern of defaming others who does not do his bidding—and destroying the reputation of people just to serve his personal motives and agenda—should be stopped.

Palafox was served the summons today.

The case asks Palafox to pay at least P61 million in total damages, consisting of P40 million in moral damages, P15 million in exemplary damages, a minimum of P6 million in litigation expenses and the costs of suit.

The libel case attached a document purportedly sent by the Coalition Against Corruption (CAC) to President Aquino on July 7, 2011, marked “Private and Confidential.”

The letter alleged that Angara pressured then Department of Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim to make Palafox Associates, the architectural firm of Palafox, a loser in the bidding for the Tourism Master Plan of the Philippines. The letter said Angara threatened Lim’s confirmation as DOT secretary should Palafox win the bidding.

Based on a the purported letter, Lim “tweaked the scores” to make Palafox Associates a loser, then awarded the bidding to former DOT Secretary Narzalina Lim. The letter claimed that the two Lims were friends, and the friendship was known to local and international watchdog groups.

That letter, principally attacking Angara for allegedly getting kickbacks for contracts and from investors at the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO), also went on an accusation spree, accusing many mayors and other top government officials of various acts of corruption.

Angara said the letter purportedly from the Coalition came from Palafox himself and it was all “falsehoods and pure fabrications.”

“The letter has the stink of Palafox’s ruse all over it,” said Angara.

Angara said that Palafox has been using his position as president of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) to convince the other members of the CAC—of which MAP is a member—to sign the letter that accused Angara and many others of corruption.

They have refused. Current CAC head David Balangue has asked Palafox not to involve the MAP on matters that concern him personally.

Angara said that personal motive has been driving Palafox’s efforts to malign and defame him.

The APECO, which was created by a law authored by Angara and based in his home province of Aurora, earlier fired Palafox Associates as master planner.

The dismissal of Palafox Associates came after the designs it prepared were evaluated then rejected by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), which found them unusable and flawed.

The designs, if followed, would have posed grave dangers to the operations of the seaport and the airport, said the two agencies.

Subsequently, the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC) ruled that Palafox failed to deliver his contractual obligations to APECO and yet improperly collected P32 million for his sloppy services.

APECO dismissed the services of Palafox Associates after the evaluation, then asked for a refund of the fees Palafox had collected for the unusable design.

Since the dismissal of his firm from the APECO work, Palafox “takes every opportunity to defame Angara with actual malice and falsehoods,” according to the case.

The case against Palafox cited cases of  “similar wrongful and reckless acts of defamation” carried out by Palafox when his s architectural firm failed to win a public bidding.

After failing to win the bid for the preparation of the Subic Bay Freeport Comprehensive Master Plan Project, Palafox accused the bidding and awards committee of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) of trying to extort from Palafox Associates. The SBMA filed a libel charged against him.

Palafox earlier accused former Senator Richard Gordon of protectionism and corruption, for which he was forced to issue a public apology to Gordon.

In May 2011, the APECO asked the Board of Architecture and Board of Environmental Planning both under the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) to suspend the license of Palafox.

APECO has asked the two bodies to fast-track the hearing on the cases against Palafox. (30)

CONDUCT PERFORMANCE AUDIT OF ACEF NOW - ANGARA

Senator Edgardo J. Angara challenged the Department of Agriculture and the Senate Oversight Committee on Agriculture to conduct a full and fair audit of the P10 billion Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF).

Angara, author of the law establishing ACEF, took exception to reports singling him out as a beneficiary of the funds, having allegedly benefited from irregularities in the fund's utilization.

"I call for--and welcome--a performance audit of the ACEF. They should publish all the names of the beneficiaries of ACEF, from day one to present, whether individuals, corporations, provinces or universities,” said Angara, a former secretary of Agriculture. “It should be very easy to trace where the money went and how it was used. I see no reason not to publish this information, unless there really are ghost beneficiaries.”

Angara's home province of Aurora received a total of P300 million from the ACEF—P100 million for the Aurora State College of Technology's (ASCOT) Enhancement of Technology-Based Agribusiness Industry in 2007, and P200 million for the Baler-Casiguran Road in 2008.

ASCOT has been bolstering programs in fisheries, agriculture and forestry, hiring experts and even training farmers and fishermen in the local community.

The Baler-Casiguran road has significantly improved the travel time from Manila to Baler, cutting it from nine hours to five.

Both projects are eligible under the implementing guidelines on the utilization of the fund issued by the Department of Agriculture. Eligible projects include irrigation, farm to market roads, agri-based production, post-production and processing activities, post-harvest equipment and facilities, and training and extension services.

ACEF was enacted through Section 8 of Republic Act 8178 in 1996. The ACEF was created to give funding assistance to farmers, fishermen and entrepreneurs.

“Just because I am a native of Aurora does not mean I made a profit from ACEF,” retorted the veteran lawmaker. “Aurora is just one of many provinces that benefitted from ACEF."

He expressed confidence that the funds allotted for the Aurora projects were channeled to the right beneficiaries and properly spent.

“We have results and outcomes to prove that the money was well-spent. There is nothing to hide,” said Angara, inviting the Department of Agriculture and the Commission on Audit to visit Aurora and see for themselves.

"Let us conduct an honest-to-goodness performance audit of ACEF to resolve the controversy once and for all, instead of resorting to useless and damaging labeling that characterizes the ACEF as worse than the fertilizer scam. It is irresponsible to single me out and impute irregularities without proof. Do not turn this into a witch-hunt." (30)