The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) signed an agreement last week with medical device distributor, Freya Trading Inc., to supply equipment for its APECO Super Health Center in Casiguran, Aurora.
APECO CEO and president Gil Taway IV said Freya will equip the center free of charge to the government.
Under the agreement, APECO will provide the land and infrastructure support, while Freya will fully fund the procurement, installation, and upgrading of all medical equipment, including initial medical supplies at no cost to the government.
“Freya will also train the APECO Super Health Center staff, creating new jobs and opportunities for residents of Dinalungan, Casiguran, Dilasag, (DiCaDi) and neighboring municipalities,” APECO said in a statement.
“This generous commitment allows us to fully equip the Super Health Center without putting additional strain on public resources,” Taway said.
APECO also signed global flexible office space operator and workspace solutions provider, International Workplace Group (IWG), as facility manager of the P16.83 million healthcare facility. The latter is designed to provide health care services to future locators and the surrounding community.
The center will initially be equipped to handle a wide range of services such as routine check-ups and diagnostic tests to emergency care, urgent medical attention, and even minor surgeries and procedures.
The facility is expected to complement the planned investment of a foreign company looking to build a retirement facility within the Aurora ecozone, APECO said.
“With Freya’s expertise in supplying medical equipment, the Super Health Center will offer a wide range of services, including diagnostic and laboratory services, primary healthcare such as outpatient consultations and preventive care, emergency and urgent care, as well as minor surgeries and medical procedures,” APECO said.
“Aside from serving its future locators and stakeholders, the APECO Super Health Center seeks to bring quality healthcare closer to the people of DiCaDi, staying true to its mission of inclusive development,” it added.
Established through the Aurora Special Economic Zone Act of 2007 (RA 9490), APECO mandated to develop 12,923 hectares of land in the northern municipalities of Dinalungan, Casiguran, and Dilasag (DiCaDi) in Aurora to drive economic growth in the province.
Taway said the goal is to make APECO a defense national hub in the country among others, enhancing the Philippines’ defense capability and providing a secure location for defense logistics.
APECO offers various incentives for investors, including income tax holidays and a special corporate income tax rate of 5 percent for registered enterprises, designed to encourage investment and support the growth of the defense industry in the area.
