Leaders of Aurora Province sign a unified Pledge of Support for the digital infrastructure partnership between Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority and InfiniVAN Inc. in Makati City, backing a major initiative aimed at strengthening connectivity, attracting investments, and advancing digital development in the province. Dilasag Mayor Romner A. Agustin, Casiguran Mayor Roynald S. Soriano, Dipaculao Mayor Danilo A. Tolentino, Dinalungan Mayor Arvee A. Vargas, Congressman Rommel Rico T. Angara, InfiniVAN President Shigeki Nakahara, APECO President & CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV, Maria Aurora Mayor Ariel S. Bitong, Dingalan Mayor Aurora Guzman-Taay, Baler Mayor Rhett Ronan T. Angara, San Luis Mayor Ariel A. De Jesus, and Provincial Administrator Shierwin H. Taay. (Jason de Asis)
CASIGURAN, Aurora — Leaders from the province of Aurora Province expressed unified support for a major digital infrastructure initiative following the signing of a Pledge of Support for the proposed partnership between the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority and InfiniVAN Inc. on March 27, 2026.
In a statement released on Monday, March 30, 2026, the pledge signing was conducted alongside the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between APECO and InfiniVAN, marking a significant step toward improving connectivity and attracting investments to the province. InfiniVAN is an affiliate of IPS Inc..
The ceremony gathered key provincial and municipal leaders, including Rommel Rico T. Angara, who led the initiative together with representatives from the Provincial Government of Aurora. The provincial government was represented by Provincial Administrator Shierwin H. Taay on behalf of Governor Isidro P. Galban.
Also present were the mayors of Aurora’s eight municipalities: Rhett Ronan T. Angara, Roynald S. Soriano, Arvee A. Vargas, Aurora Guzman-Taay, Romner A. Agustin, Danilo A. Tolentino, Ariel S. Bitong, and Ariel A. De Jesus.
By signing the pledge, the province’s leaders affirmed their commitment to creating a supportive environment that will help ensure the success of the digital infrastructure project and promote inclusive economic growth across Aurora.
In his message during the event, Rep. Angara emphasized the importance of unity among political leaders in advancing the province’s development.
He said that political cooperation plays a vital role in driving economic progress and that leaders must work together with national government agencies to achieve meaningful development.
“For the previous elections, I’ve always envisioned leaders should always be One Aurora. When elected, we should work together for the progress of Aurora,” Angara said.
Provincial Administrator Taay also highlighted the broader impact of the partnership, noting that the project could open new opportunities beyond tourism for the province.
“This act signifies the great possibilities for the Province of Aurora to develop more of its potentials and endless opportunities—not only as a tourism hub but also as an international avenue for digitalization and modernization,” Taay said.
Infinivan Advisor Alejandro A. Aquino, Chief Financial Officer Valenbert C. Juan, President Shigeki Nakahara, APECO President & CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV, Director Rene Tayag, and Deputy Administrator Angelo Gabriel D. Mantuano Standing: Casiguran Mayor Roynald S. Soriano, Maria Aurora Mayor Ariel S. Bitong, Dinalungan Mayor Arvee A. Vargas, Congressman Rommel Rico T. Angara, Dingalan Mayor Aurora Guzman-Taay, Dilasag Mayor Romner A. Agustin, Baler Mayor Rhett Ronan T. Angara, Dipaculao Mayor Danilo A. Tolentino, San Luis Mayor Ariel A. De Jesus, and Provincial Government of Aurora Provincial Administrator Shierwin H. Taay.
Under the agreement, APECO and InfiniVAN will collaborate in exploring the development of an overland digital link within the Casiguran-based ecozone, connecting it to InfiniVAN’s existing and planned international submarine cable landing stations in Baler, as well as to subsea cable capacities in Claveria and other emerging landing corridors across Northern Luzon.
For his part, Gil G. Taway IV expressed gratitude to Aurora’s leaders for their collective support.
“On behalf of APECO, I extend our sincere gratitude to our leaders across Aurora for their full support and unity. Your commitment sends a strong signal that the province is ready to move forward together in unlocking new opportunities for our people,” Taway said.
Officials believe that the collaboration could strengthen Aurora’s position as a strategic hub for digital connectivity, investment, and technological development in Northern Luzon while creating new economic opportunities for its communities. (Jason de Asis)