THE Board of Investments (BOI) is launching an initiative to connect investments in advanced technologies with critical infrastructure and international partners.
Called the Super Intelligence, Knowledge, and Advanced Technology (Sikat) Corridor, the project will cover the artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem, from minerals and materials to advanced manufacturing and digital infrastructure, Trade Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo said.
It would link different locations across the country, including Mindanao, and complement the Luzon Economic Corridor, Rodolfo explained. It would also connect with the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development’s AI governance framework.
The project would rely entirely on private sector investments, with no government funding involved so far.
The proposed corridor has six nodes: – Advanced manufacturing: The Clark Advanced Manufacturing Park in New Clark City; – Integrated circuit design: A nationwide digital network connecting commercial and academic centers; – Minerals processing: A facility likely to be located in Mindanao; – Digital infrastructure: Two nodes guided by the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s AI Infrastructure Master Plan, with Batangas as the immediate focus and Aurora planned for the medium term; – AI and logistics: A gateway in Bulacan which Rodolfo described as a long-term goal requiring an airport;
Rodolfo noted that Sikat remains at the concept stage, and no investment figures are available yet. Some of its individual components, however, are already operating.
Consultations with industry associations and government agencies were held in October, while previews of the initiative were presented at the International Mining and Resources Conference in Australia.
On Wednesday, the BOI also gathered government and industry representatives for an executive briefing on Sikat.
