MANILA, Philippines — Mikha Lim of P-pop girl group Bini has voiced concern over the potential environmental impact of the planned Pax Silica industrial hub in Tarlac, urging Filipinos to use their voices to speak up about the issue.
Lim addressed the controversial project in a Weverse video that circulated online, questioning whether the Philippines’ potential gains from the artificial intelligence industry would outweigh possible costs to the country’s natural resources, water supply and communities.
“If ever that happens, let’s say we do rise in terms of the AI industry and everything, is it worth losing the minerals that make the Philippines, the Philippines?” Lim said.
She also raised concerns about the possible effect of the development on the cost of living and poverty, even as the project is expected to generate jobs.
“The cost of living will increase, so what’s the difference? We’ll provide jobs, but the cost of living is high, so how does that help with poverty?” she said.
Lim further pointed to water consumption as one of her major concerns, comparing the situation to water pollution she said has occurred in parts of the United States.
“Also, it’s alarming. Have you seen the water in parts of the U.S.? It’s already so polluted. Imagine that happening in a very big country. What more in our country?” she said.
“If you look at the land they will use for that data center, it’s so big, and the amount of clean water they need is also enormous. Support the farmers, guys. Jusko (Goodness)! We would not survive without them,” Lim added.
“So please, let’s use our voices to talk about what matters and what’s happening,” she added.
The proposed Pax Silica hub is part of the Philippines’ participation in the US-led Pax Silica initiative, which aims to strengthen supply chains for artificial intelligence, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing and critical minerals.
The government has designated about 4,000 acres, or roughly 1,620 hectares, in New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, for the planned AI-native industrial hub. The site is envisioned as an ecosystem for technology companies, research institutions and government agencies.
Government officials have promoted the project as an opportunity to attract major investments and move the Philippines into higher-value segments of the global technology industry. The Bases Conversion and Development Authority has said the development could attract between $40 billion and $70 billion in investments and generate more than 130,000 jobs once fully developed.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also promoted the initiative during his fifth State of the Nation Address on July 27, describing the planned hub as a strategic component of the Luzon Economic Corridor and an advanced manufacturing and logistics center in the global AI and technology value chain.
The project, however, has drawn questions over its possible effects on water resources, the environment, land rights and nearby communities.
