A group of science communicators has called for an independent assessment of the proposed Pax Silica industrial hub, saying the government should disclose the project’s terms and potential environmental and social impact before making binding commitments.
Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted the US-led initiative during his 5th State of the Nation Address on July 27, positioning it as part of the Luzon Economic Corridor and the Philippines’ push to become a regional hub for artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing.
The administration has projected that the development could attract as much as $70 billion in investments and create about 190,000 direct jobs.
Science Communicators Philippines (SciCommPH), however, said these projections must be supported by publicly available evidence.
“We recognize the potential of Pax Silica to bring much-needed advanced manufacturing, semiconductor development, artificial intelligence, and international scientific cooperation opportunities into the country,” the organization said.
The group said a properly planned industrial hub in New Clark City could create jobs, strengthen domestic research and industry, retain Filipino scientists and engineers, and help the country move into higher-value segments of the global technology supply chain.
SciCommPH said it could not endorse the project while its essential terms remained undisclosed.
“Our position and recommendation for the country is unequivocal: No terms, no commitment,” the group said.
According to the organization, the government has yet to publicly disclose the final agreement, confirmed investors, detailed site plans, environmental impact studies, water and energy requirements, community impact assessments, and major legal and financial provisions.
SciCommPH urged the government to commission an independent, science-based assessment covering the cumulative impact of manufacturing plants, mineral-processing facilities, AI data centers, power generation, water systems, transportation infrastructure, housing, land conversion, and waste management.
It said the review should also examine the full life cycle of materials used by the proposed hub, from mineral extraction and processing to manufacturing, export, recycling, and disposal.
The findings should inform negotiations before the government finalizes any agreement, the group added.
“Scientific assessment must shape the agreement; it cannot be treated as post-agreement paperwork. General assurances are not enough,” SciCommPH said.
The organization, composed of scientists, journalists, and academics, also called for independent expert scrutiny and stakeholder participation in decisions involving the project.
Its statement comes as the government promotes Pax Silica as a major component of its AI and semiconductor strategy, even as key details about the project’s financing, resource requirements, environmental footprint, and investors remain unavailable to the public.
