MANILA, Philippines – Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino on Wednesday said that he fully supported the Pax Silica development in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac, citing that the project could generate nearly one million jobs for Filipinos.
Tolentino was joined by former senator, lawyer Joey Lina and former communication secretary, Sonny Coloma who then asked Tolentino of his opinion on the proposed Pax Silica project.
He said that Pax Silica was envisioned to be a technology-driven hub, which is similar to those that helped Taiwan build its industrial growth, with investments expected to focus on semiconductor manufacturing, microchips and other advanced technology industries.
“Pax Silica is envisioned to really not jumpstart but to create a better economic growth area similar to what Taiwan is experiencing right now” Tolentino said.
Citing that the proposed 1,600 hectare development hub in New Clark City is expected to generate almost a million jobs, based on the information presented to a visiting US Undersecretary of Economic Affairs, Jacob Helberg.
Tolentino stressed that the project would align with the interests and skills of younger Filipinos, particularly those pursuing careers in Information Technology (IT), Engineering, and computer-related professions.
“We’re looking at microchips and advanced technology which are more aligned with what Gen Z and today’s youth are interested in, especially those involved in computer related fields” Tolentino said in Filipino and English.
He also suggested harnessing renewable energy sources, including geothermal and wind power in nearby areas, to support the development, but he clarified that it was only his personal view.
The labor chief underscored his unwavering support for the project.
“Do we support this? Definitely, 1,000 percent” he said in Filipino and English.
'Can we eat US microchips?'
Meanwhile, Kabataan Partylist Rep. Renee Co on Wednesday slammed Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. over his defense of the proposed US-backed Pax Silica project, accusing the government of prioritizing foreign semiconductor investments over the country's water resources.
Co issued the statement after Teodoro dismissed environmental concerns surrounding Pax Silica, saying major industrial hubs under the project would not harm host communities because no large-scale industrial venture would be approved without a sustainable water management system.
Calling Teodoro "detached from reality," Co argued that the government could not guarantee adequate irrigation for farmers and reliable drinking water for Filipino families while assuring water supply for foreign semiconductor manufacturers.
"While thousands of hectares of farmland in Central Luzon are drying up and Angat Dam has repeatedly fallen to critical levels, the Department of National Defense continues to champion giant foreign tech companies. They can promise 'sustainable water management' for US semiconductor plants, yet they cannot even guarantee irrigation for farms or drinking water for Filipino families," she said.
Co cited industry estimates showing that a single advanced semiconductor fabrication plant consumes between 2 million and 5 million gallons of ultra-pure water daily, which she said is equivalent to the daily domestic water consumption of an entire Philippine municipality.
She argued that the Marcos administration was "surrendering" the country's natural resources, arable land and water supply to advance the United States' technology interests instead of addressing the needs of Filipinos.
"Water is for human survival, not foreign microchips. Why prioritize American industry while Filipino crops are drying up? Can we eat their microchips?" Co said.
The lawmaker urged the government to redirect public funds toward national industrialization, genuine agrarian reform and the protection of local watersheds instead of pursuing what she described as extractive foreign-backed projects.
