THE Science Communicators Philippines (SciCommPH) urged the government to thoroughly examine the terms of the proposed Pax Silica project.
Pax Silica is the flagship local component of a US-led international initiative aimed at securing global supply chains for semiconductors, critical minerals and artificial intelligence technologies. Centered on a proposed 1,620-hectare economic security zone inside New Clark City, Tarlac, it aims to serve as the region’s first AI-native industrial acceleration hub for advanced manufacturing, chip packaging and mineral processing.
“If properly planned and governed, the proposed Pax Silica industrial hub in New Clark City stands to generate quality jobs, strengthen Philippine research and industry, retain Filipino scientific and engineering talent and help the country move beyond exporting raw materials and performing lower-value work,” the group said in a statement.
SciCommPH added that while it is not opposed to technology, industrialization or international cooperation, it cannot endorse Pax Silica while its essential terms remain undisclosed.
“Our position and recommendation for the country is unequivocal: No terms, no commitment,” it said.
While the project is being presented as a major economic opportunity, with government estimates of as much as $70 billion in investment and up to 190,000 direct jobs in various industries, these projections, SciCommPH said, are continually being touted without supporting data.
“But a project of this scale cannot be judged on promises alone. The final agreement, confirmed investors, detailed site plan, environmental studies, water and energy plans, community-impact assessments and many of the project’s legal and financial terms have not been made public — if these have been drafted or even considered at all,” it said.
The group urged the government to undertake an independent, science-based assessment on the combined effects in the country of manufacturing, mineral processing, data centers, power facilities, water systems, roads, ports, housing, land conversion, waste disposal and related infrastructure.
“This assessment must examine the full life cycle of the materials and technologies involved, from mineral extraction and transport to manufacturing, export, use, recycling and disposal,” it said, noting that scientific assessment must shape the agreement.
SciCommPH said that the proposed use of rainwater, surface water, recycling systems and dedicated treatment facilities must be tested against actual rainfall, drought, El Niño, climate change, agricultural demand, household consumption and ecological needs.
SciComm PH is the country’s foremost organization committed to developing science-based discourse across disciplines and media platforms. Its members are composed of scientists, journalists and academicians.
RED MENDOZA
