Pax Silica hub to drive Philippine semiconductor and AI manufacturing

The planned Pax Silica hub in New Clark City is expected to drive industrial development across the Philippines, extending benefits beyond Luzon to the Visayas and Mindanao regions. According to Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) President Joshua Bingcang, the hub will support industries in Mindanao and Visayas by establishing processing plants near mineral sources before transporting materials to New Clark City for high-value manufacturing.

Pax Silica is a United States-led initiative designed to secure supply chains for critical minerals essential to advanced industries, including semiconductors and artificial intelligence. The project aims to move the Philippines up the value chain by processing minerals locally rather than exporting them in raw form.

Taiwan has expressed interest in collaborating on the project. Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung indicated that cooperation could span semiconductors, AI, drones, shipbuilding, and undersea cables. While no specific investments have been announced, officials view the partnership as an opportunity for technology transfer and talent exchange. The hub, covering approximately 4,000 acres in Tarlac, will require significant infrastructure, including an estimated 3 gigawatts of power and 130 million liters of water daily.