US defense firm reaffirms interest in Aurora ecozone

December 29, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Virginia-based defense supply chain company Anglicotech LLC remains keen on investing in the Aurora ecozone, as it recently met with the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) to discuss its ongoing engagement and long-term outlook on the Philippines.

In a statement, APECO said its president and CEO Gil Taway IV met with Anglicotech CEO David Cooper on Dec. 19, with discussions covering Anglicotech’s intent to pursue a multi-phased investment approach.

The firm intends to build on existing operational strengths and position for future expansion.

APECO said the meeting reflects Anglicotech’s confidence in the ecozone as a strategic location for national security, logistics and related services.

During the meeting, both parties also emphasized the importance of government policies, regional stability and sustainable economic development in pursuing defense-related investments.

“Our engagement with Anglicotech reflects a shared understanding that defense-related investments require stability, clarity of policy, a long-term view and good governance. We are strengthening this under APECO’s current reforms,” Taway said.

He said APECO is committed to providing a conducive environment for investment.

APECO wants to support responsible defense-related industries and promote partnerships to spur economic growth and create jobs in Aurora.

Last August, Cooper and Anglicotech Philippines country manager Edmund Rustia visited the ecozone in Casiguran, Aurora for site inspection.

Earlier, Cooper said the Aurora ecozone’s geography and infrastructure could support defense and commercial activities, including large drone logistics, warehousing and maintenance facilities.

Citing Aurora’s airspace, he also said the ecozone is suitable for unmanned systems training and operations.

Since 2024, Anglicotech has been operating in Subic, providing logistics; command, control, computers, communications, cyber intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; and foreign military sales support to both the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States Department of War.