Manila:Malacañang has assured the public that the facilities for the United States-led Pax Silica project will be constructed within a designated 'buildable zone' to prevent the displacement of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and local farmers.
According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is aware of the concerns regarding the potential displacement of communities in the proposed site of the high-tech manufacturing and innovation hub. Castro emphasized that the structures will be placed within the buildable zone, ensuring that farmers and IPs are not affected.
The proposed development is set to cover more than 6,000 hectares, with only 3,000 hectares designated as buildable. The remaining land will be reserved for Aeta residents whose ancestral homes are located within the proposed development site. Castro assured that these residents would not be abandoned and would receive financial assistance if displacement becomes necessary.
Concerns have been raised about the possible displacement of at least 200 Aeta residents due to the Pax Silica development. Castro clarified that the framework agreement for the project is still under negotiation, with the government awaiting a response from the U.S. to its draft proposal. The Bases Conversion and Development Authority and the Department of Trade and Industry have submitted the draft framework agreement to the Office of the President, which will guide the negotiations and finalization of the agreement with the U.S.
