The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO), in partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), has unveiled a new livelihood initiative focusing on salt production and seaweed farming in Casiguran, Aurora.
The joint program is designed to empower local communities—particularly Indigenous Peoples (IPs)—with sustainable, scalable economic opportunities. BFAR will lead the technical development of the facilities, including construction, operations, and provision of machinery. APECO, in turn, will coordinate land access and community engagement.
These projects mark the beginning of APECO’s broader push to position the region as the “Fishing Capital of the Pacific.” BFAR has pledged to support this vision through a scientific study of fishing patterns and marine biodiversity in the Philippine Rise, a key habitat for tuna and other high-value fish species.
With salt and seaweed production as flagship ventures, the partnership between APECO and BFAR sets a precedent for eco-friendly, community-driven growth. The initiative also aims to establish a replicable model for other coastal barangays, all while preserving marine ecosystems through responsible resource management.
