Metro Manila, Philippines – President Bongbong Marcos dismissed concerns that the country’s participation in the US-led Pax Silica initiative could threaten local livelihoods, arguing that the project would instead generate tens of thousands of jobs and strengthen the country’s position in the global digital economy.
During a media interview in Malacañang, Marcos was asked about warnings from civil society groups that the initiative could displace communities and fail to deliver sustainable employment, particularly as the government advances plans for an advanced manufacturing park in New Clark City, Tarlac.
“I cannot see how such a development will endanger local livelihood. I’m not sure I understand the question simply because this is…projected to create tens of thousands of jobs,” Marcos said.
The president maintained that the initiative forms part of the administration’s strategy to position the Philippines within global supply chains supporting emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
“This is part of what we have done in positioning the Philippines within the supply chain, the value chain of what is the emerging industry of the digital economy and, of course, the onset of AI,” he added.
Marcos also pointed to the Philippines’ efforts as ASEAN chair to develop a regional roadmap for artificial intelligence, saying the initiative was consistent with the country’s broader digital transformation agenda.
He insisted that the project would have the opposite effect of what critics feared by creating new economic opportunities.
Framework agreement signing moved
Earlier, Malacañang confirmed that the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) had submitted a legal framework governing the proposed use of a 1,620-hectare advanced manufacturing park in New Clark City.
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro, citing information from BCDA, said the framework had been transmitted to the Office of the President through official channels.
“BCDA has submitted to the President through proper channels the legal framework governing the use of the 1,620 hectare advanced manufacturing park in New Clark City,” Castro said, quoting the agency’s response.
The BCDA also confirmed that discussions with its US development partner were continuing as both sides worked toward finalizing the partnership agreement.
“As BCDA and its US Development partner continue to discuss the details of the partnership agreement, the expected signing of the agreement is before the end of 2026,” Castro quoted the agency as saying.
The initial signing of the agreement was first reported to be in November.
