MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has welcomed the proposed Pax Silica project while assuring the public that strict environmental regulations will be enforced throughout its development.
Acting Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna made the statement on July 27 during an ambush interview on the sidelines of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s State of the Nation Address at the House of Representatives.
“We will ensure environmental compliance will be strictly observed,” Cuna told reporters.
Cuna said the DENR looks forward to major investments like Pax Silica because of their potential to create jobs and strengthen the economy, but stressed that environmental protection will not be compromised.
“We look forward to a big project like this that will provide jobs and help our economy, but we will definitely not sacrifice the environment for the Pax Silica,” he said.
Pax Silica is a United States-led coalition of 14 countries that aims to strengthen global supply chains for artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and critical minerals.
Under the initiative, the Philippines has designated a 1,620-hectare site in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac as the proposed location of an advanced manufacturing and innovation hub.
According to the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), the development could generate more than 130,000 high-quality jobs and contribute up to ₱180 billion in annual revenues once fully operational.
BCDA President and CEO Joshua Bingcang said the project is envisioned primarily as a manufacturing-driven industrial ecosystem rather than a large data center complex, with only one or two of at least 30 interested investors engaged in data center operations.
Bingcang also said the project will rely on rainwater harvesting instead of groundwater extraction, will not involve mining or displace indigenous communities, and will secure Environmental Compliance Certificates while remaining subject to continuous DENR monitoring before construction begins.
Despite these assurances, several groups, including the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas and the Makabayan bloc, have opposed the project over concerns about its projected electricity demand, water consumption, and possible environmental and social impacts.
— The Summit Express
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