The Malacañang administration clarified on Monday that the planned Pax Silica artificial intelligence (AI) industrial hub in Tarlac will not impact local farmers, as the project is designated strictly within pre-approved “buildable zones.”
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated during a press briefing that these zones were already established during the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, meaning agricultural activities should no longer be present in those specific parcels.
”So, sa lugar na ito ay dapat wala ng farmers dahil ito po nga ay na-approve na bilang buildable zones,” Castro explained.
”At mayroon naman pong natitira na 6,000 hectares na reserve para sa open green spaces, forest reserves and designated zones for upland farming,” she added.
Castro emphasized that the proposed hub will cover only a fraction of the total allocated development area.
”So, maliit lang po ang maookupa nito – 3,500 hectares ang kabuuan ng buildable zones at doon po maaaring ilagay itong proyekto regarding Pax Silica,” Castro said. “So, hindi po makakaapekto ito sa ating mga farmers.”
The official’s remarks came after Senator Imee Marcos urged an inquiry into reports that farmers were allegedly intimidated and instructed to halt planting activities due to the project. While Castro noted that the senator is entitled to pursue an investigation, she suggested that the lawmaker fully familiarize herself with the situation first.
”Hindi naman napipigil si Senator Imee sa kaniyang mga gusto at siguro mas maganda po na malaman niya kasi ang pinag-uusapan dito ay mga farmers,” Castro remarked.
Additionally, Castro assured the public that the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), which leads the implementation of the Pax Silica initiative, remains active in dialoguing with stakeholders.
”Sa ngayon po binanggit ko po noong nakaraan ang BCDA po ay open po at sa ngayon po ay patuloy po ang kanilang pagkokonsulta sa mga concerned agencies, concerned local government units, sa lahat ng stakeholders,” Castro said.
”Kaya ito po ay nabanggit natin para sa lahat ng may mga concerns ay maaari pong makipag-ugnayan sa ating pamahalaan para matugunan kung ano ang mga issues na dapat pang iresolba,” she added.
The Pax Silica Industrial Hub is slated to span roughly 1,620 hectares inside New Clark City, Tarlac, as part of a US-led global initiative joined by the Philippines in December 2025 to secure semiconductor, critical mineral, and AI supply chains.
However, a alliance of agricultural groups, environmental scientists, and advocates continues to oppose the project, warning of potential mass displacement, water scarcity, pollution, and threats to food sovereignty.