Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced that the planned Pax Silica Industrial Hub will enhance the Philippines' role in the global artificial intelligence (AI) and technology value chain while generating quality jobs and increasing industrial competitiveness. This announcement was made during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
According to Philippines News Agency, the proposed hub is an initiative of the 23-member Pax Silica Initiative, led by the United States, and aims to create an ecosystem centered around AI. Marcos emphasized that this development would bring quality jobs to Filipinos, bolster industrial competitiveness, and invigorate the economy. The hub is set to be a strategic part of the Luzon Economic Corridor, serving as an advanced manufacturing and logistics center within the global AI and technology value chain.
Marcos further elaborated on the government's broader strategy to advance strategic and emerging sectors, positioning the country higher in the global value chain. He highlighted Cagayan's potential to become a gateway to space, with plans for the Philippines' first spaceport and a sounding rocket launch test in collaboration with a South Korean aerospace company slated for 2027.
The Pax Silica hub is designed to be a high-tech manufacturing and innovation center under the Luzon Economic Corridor, aimed at solidifying the Philippines' position in global supply chains for semiconductors, AI, and critical minerals. The Philippines joined the coalition as its 13th member in April, with the coalition now comprising over 30 countries.
The Bases Conversion and Development Authority has projected that the Pax Silica initiative could attract between USD40 billion and USD70 billion in investments once fully realized, offering opportunities to Filipino engineers, researchers, computer science graduates, and other skilled professionals to develop their careers domestically. The development at the New Clark City is expected to create up to 190,000 high-quality jobs for Filipinos.
