Jul 13, 2024 - 02:08
By manilatimes.net

Marcos vows to finish shelved Apeco projects

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday said that the government is committed to complete the unfinished P800-million projects left by the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (Apeco).

In his speech during the distribution of assistance to farmers, fisherfolk in Baler, Aurora province, Marcos said that the decision to rebid the contracts was made in order to finish the projects and programs in the soonest possible time.

«We are looking for solutions for the abandoned Apeco projects worth nearly P800 million,» the President said.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. handed over Friday PhP147.6 million to the province of Aurora to help farmers and fisherfolk recover from the effects of El Niño phenomenon that hit the country. PCO Photo

«It is a waste because the people of Aurora could have benefited from them already,» he added.

Marcos said Apeco President and Chief Executive Officer Gil Taway IV has stopped the projects, as he intended to rebid the contracts to allow the completion of the undertakings.

«We have decided to terminate the contracts and rebid them so we can finish the projects already,» he said.

Taway earlier said that Apeco is rebuilding the ecozone by terminating some of the contracts and rebidding them to finish the remaining projects.

Last month, Apeco announced that it aims to entice investments in the agro-industrial, energy, and defense sectors.

It does not want Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) and other gambling operations within the ecozone.

Lucky Dragon, the sole POGO firm operating in Apeco since 2020, left the ecozone in May this year.

A pioneering green economic zone, Apeco was established to promote economic growth and development along the Pacific Northeast seaboard.

Meanwhile, Marcos turned over farm machinery to local farmers and fisherfolk during the event to boost agricultural efficiency in Aurora.

In addition, the President handed over P10,000 each to 10 selected beneficiaries from the province.

Likewise, the provincial government of Aurora received P10 million to support local development projects to enhance the quality of life in the province.

On the same day, the