The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) has moved from Pasay City to Parañaque City’s Aseana City business district, where the rent is lower and will save the government about PHP4 million annually.

The new Manila satellite office at Parqal Building 1, which opened Thursday, costs PHP600 per square meter, compared to its previous office’s rate of PHP1,154.

“We recognize the need for every government organization to operate with fiscal prudence, especially at a time when resources are scarce and need to be maximized for the greater good of the Filipino people,” APECO president and chief executive officer Gil Taway said in a news release Friday.

“This move is part of our broader initiative to enhance operational efficiency and to ensure that taxpayers’ money is being used responsibly. The savings we will generate from this initiative will allow us to bankroll revenue generating infrastructure projects in APECO,” he added.

Last year, major units of APECO brought back their operations to the headquarters in Casiguran after a space was vacated by a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) locator.

APECO said Parqal also offers more modern facilities like flexible meeting areas, improved communication infrastructure, and a more energy-efficient design that further reduces operational costs.

On the sidelines of the office inauguration, renewable energy firm Pacific Impact executive director James Timko reaffirmed their USD25-million investments for a 25-megawatt (MW) solar project in the Casiguran ecozone.

Timko said the initial phase of the project involves installation of solar panels with total capacity of 10 MW. (PNA)