The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) will start the development of its new tourist attraction inside the ecozone to attract tourists and create economic activities in the province, particularly in the Dinalungan, Casiguran, and Dilasag (DiCaDi) area.

Groundworks for the Grand Lagoon will start next month, with allocation of PHP50 to 70 million, according to APECO president and chief executive officer Gil Taway IV during the groundbreaking ceremony here Friday.

The project is part of the PHP439-million Corporate Campus Development in the ecozones.

“This two-hectare area will have a series of lagoons that will be connected to the canal draining towards the cove,” Taway said in Filipino.

The project will include glamping areas, gondola and other boat activities, boutiques and restaurants to lure
visitors to the DiCaDi area.

Taway said a potential investor is eyeing to put up an 80-room glamping accommodation as part of the Grand Lagoon project.

He said around 500 to 1,000 jobs will be created by putting up the APECO Grand Lagoon.

“Aside from employment, we want to generate more opportunities and economic activities for all walks of life. So those small traders in DiCaDi they will have more opportunities through this project,” he added.

Next tourist spot

Taway said the ecozone also aims to stimulate the creation of new tourism area in northern Luzon, especially with APECO having its own seaport soon.

“Upon the recommendation of the Secretary of Tourism herself, we shall also prepare the necessary works to create docking facilities for cruise ships in our ever-increasing cruise tourism portfolio,” Taway said. (PNA)