Former Senate chief defends Aurora eco-zone

MANILA, Philippines - Former Senate president Edgardo Angara on Wednesday defended the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (Apeco), which had been criticized by Sen. Sergio Osmeña III and some cause-oriented groups.

Angara said Apeco is a catalyst for growth for the provinces of Aurora, Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino; the city of Santiago in Isabela, and the municipality of Dinapeque and the cluster of eight towns (from Infanta to Polillo) of Quezon.  He said nearly a million people benefit from Apeco.

He denied allegations that the development of Apeco displaced the Dumagats and the farmers.

Angara said Apeco is strategically located to become an outpost in the Pacific and would boost the country’s influence in the region amid the dispute on the West Philippine Sea.

“The Pacific Ocean is returning to its pre-maritime route, as China starts closing the China Sea passage,” he said adding that he sees a high potential for Benham Rise to produce gas and minerals.

During the Senate budget hearing for economic zones last week, Osmena grilled executives of the Apeco for its alleged failure to fulfill its mandate to create jobs and boost development.

Osmeña said he is inclined to approve a reduced budget of P40 million for the eco-zone.