SONA 2026: Planned Pax Silica hub in Clark to boost PH role in global AI value chain

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday said the planned Pax Silica Industrial Hub will strengthen the Philippines’ role in the global artificial intelligence (AI) and technology value chain while creating quality jobs and enhancing the country’s industrial competitiveness.

In his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos said the proposed hub is part of the 23-member United States-led Pax Silica Initiative, which aims to establish an ecosystem centered on AI and advanced technologies.

“It will bring quality jobs to our people, accelerate our industrial competitiveness, and revitalize our economy,” Marcos said.

“As a strategic component of the Luzon Economic Corridor, the hub will be an advanced manufacturing and logistics center in the global AI and technology value chain,” he added.

Marcos also highlighted the government’s efforts to develop strategic and emerging industries to help the country move higher in the global value chain.

He said Cagayan is strategically positioned to become the Philippines’ gateway to space and host the country’s first spaceport.

The President added that a sounding rocket launch test, in partnership with a South Korean aerospace company, is scheduled for 2027.

The Pax Silica Industrial Hub is a proposed high-tech manufacturing and innovation center under the Luzon Economic Corridor designed to position the Philippines as a key player in global supply chains for semiconductors, AI, and critical minerals.

The Philippines joined the Pax Silica coalition in April as its 13th member. Since then, the coalition has grown to include more than 30 participating countries.

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority earlier said the initiative could attract between USD40 billion and USD70 billion in investments once fully developed, creating opportunities for Filipino engineers, researchers, computer science graduates, and other highly skilled professionals.

The proposed Pax Silica development at New Clark City is expected to generate up to 190,000 high-quality jobs for Filipinos. (PNA)

-Philippine News Agency