Metro Manila, Philippines – A major party at the House of Representatives announced its proposed legislation that will establish an economic zone in New Clark City, Tarlac with the US-led Pax Silica supply chain hub project in mind.
The bill, titled “Advanced Industries Development Act” (establishing the Advanced Industries Zone in New Clark City), was filed on Monday, Oct. 26.
With the acronym “AIDA,” the bill seeks to designate 1,350 hectares of land for manufacturing and business ventures.
The National Unity Party (NUP) said the project shows a strong investment capacity, as the country aims to position itself as a part of a global technology-wise future.
“The legislation we are going to propose will take advantage of this Pax Silica Declaration…and make the Philippines an active participant, so that our national growth and prosperity can be provided for,” NUP chairman and Antipolo 1st district Rep. Ronaldo Puno said in a press conference.
Described as seven times the size of Taguig City’s business district, Bonifacio Global City (BGC), the project will primarily be opened to international investors while providing job opportunities for around 150,000 people.
Locators will be required a minimum investment of ₱15 billion, excluding the cost of land.
Puno said some entities have already shown interest in the economic zone.
One of the concerns raised about the development of Pax Silica, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) data center, is the daily million-liter water consumption that may impact adjacent residents.
However, Puno said AIDA will be a “self-contained” area that will have its own power, energy, and water sources unlike a normal AI hub.
He said locals will not be deprived of water or energy.
Camarines Sur 5th district Rep. Miguel Luis Villafuerte said Pax Silica is a “non-binding” alliance network between countries, and that AIDA can support this effort by making the economy competitive and pushing for advanced industries.
Puno said relationships will need to be established between AIDA and other existing economic zones.
“There are many places in our country where there are already manufacturing capabilities, we do not want to disrupt them. We want to use them and link them with AIDA,” he said.
When it comes to the possible displacement of residents and indigenous groups, Puno said it is a “work in progress.”
“… We recognize the problem,” he said. “We have talked about it. It is not unique to that area, there are other places […] that have the same problem.”
As of Oct. 26, the Pax Silica Declaration has been signed by 26 countries which affirmed commitment to the technological supply chain.
