APECO expects locators to speed up Casiguran investment after Customs nod

THE Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) expects locators in its Casiguran special economic zone (SEZ) to fast-track their investments after a Bureu of Customs order that authorizes it as an accrediting agency for the government’s client profiling system.

Under Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 05-2026, APECO is now authorized to directly facilitate the Customs Client Profile Registration System (CPRS) for importers and exporters within its SEZ.

The order also lists APECO as a recognized free zone authority, aligning it with the country’s other ecozone regulators.

The CMO amends provisions under the CMO No. 19-2019, which decentralized the activation of the CPRS of entities accredited by other government agencies.

In a statement, APECO President and Chief Executive Officer Gil G. Taway IV said the move is expected to unlock pending investments and fast-track decision-making for its prospective locators.

“Some investors have been waiting for this formal recognition before proceeding with their projects, particularly those with import-export requirements,” he said.

The CPRS is a mandatory registration system for importers and exporters transacting with the Bureau of Customs.

Previously, locators needed to coordinate with multiple agencies to complete their accreditation, which could delay timelines.

Under the new policy, APECO is authorized to facilitate CPRS accreditation, enabling faster CPRS activation and smoother customs transactions.

APECO is a state-owned firm that manages a 496-hectare special economic zone in Casiguran, Aurora. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz