The initiative aligns with the country’s formal entry into the Pax Silica Declaration, a United States-led effort to build a secure and resilient silicon supply chain spanning critical minerals, semiconductors, AI, and advanced manufacturing.
Officials said the move marks a significant step toward strengthening the Philippines’ role in the rapidly evolving global technology landscape, while supporting the Marcos administration’s National AI Strategy Roadmap.
Pax Silica entry signals strategic shift
Finance Secretary Frederick Go said the Philippines’ participation in Pax Silica reflects a shift from being a peripheral contributor to becoming an active builder of future industries.
“By joining Pax Silica, the Philippines is ensuring that our mineral resources and strategic location are not simply supporting global industries from the margins, but are actively harnessed to build the industries of the future,” Go was quoted in a BCDA statement as saying.
The partnership is expected to open opportunities for deeper collaboration with allied nations in securing supply chains and accelerating innovation in high-tech sectors.
‘Golden Node’ to anchor AI ecosystem
As part of its commitment, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has earmarked the 4,000-acre site in New Clark City as the location for a Pax Silica Coordination Office.
This facility will serve as a convergence point for technology firms, research institutions, and government agencies, aimed at building a robust AI ecosystem and attracting high-value investments.
Strategically located within the Luzon Economic Corridor, the site will be designated as a “Golden Node”—a new model for AI-native investment hubs under Pax Silica. It is the first such node to be established under the initiative.
US Undersecretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg described the concept as forward-looking.
“The Golden Node is not about recreating the factories of the last century. It is about building the manufacturing ecosystems of the next century—AI-native from day one,” he said.
New Clark City as future tech hub
BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang said the development places New Clark City at the center of a transformative shift toward innovation-driven growth.
“By establishing this Golden Node, we stand to position New Clark City as a vital link in the global supply chain for advanced technologies and next-generation manufacturing,” Bingcang said.
He added that the project is expected to generate quality jobs and boost participation of local enterprises in the global innovation economy.
To encourage investment, BCDA will grant a two-year grace period on lease payments, treated as an in-kind contribution to support bilateral economic cooperation. Lease terms beyond the third year will be finalized under a separate agreement.
Smart, green, and resilient vision
New Clark City is being developed as the Philippines’ first smart, disaster-resilient, and environmentally sustainable metropolis.
Authorities are focusing on building digital infrastructure and attracting technology-driven industries to position the city as a competitive hub for AI and advanced manufacturing.
With the Pax Silica partnership and the establishment of the Golden Node, officials say the Philippines is taking a decisive step toward securing its place in the future of global technology. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
