Malacañang emphasized the need to provide accurate public information regarding the proposed Pax Silica artificial intelligence (AI) industrial hub in Tarlac as criticism and opposition against the development persist.
During a Palace briefing, Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro noted that social media posts often focus solely on the negative aspects of the initiative, making it crucial to clarify its underlying objectives and long-term advantages for the country.
”Siguro mas maganda lamang po na mabigyan sila ng tamang impormasyon kung paano ang Pax Silica na gagawin at kung paano ito makakabuti sa ating bansa,” Castro said.
Castro also dismissed claims that the project would displace local farmers, clarifying that the site designated for development had been set aside years ago.
”Pero, ang sabi nga natin, year 2019 ay na-allocate na po ang 3,500 ng buildable zones. So, iyong 3,500 hindi na po ito dapat na sinasaka, mayroon pong mga lugar na para sa ating mga magsasaka sa nasabing lugar,” Castro said. “So, siguro tama lang na pagbibigay ng impormasyon sa ating mga kababayan.”
The official voiced hope that signatories of anti-project petitions fully understood the scope of the proposal.
Her statement followed pushback from groups such as Bayan and the International League of People’s Struggle, which launched petitions that reportedly garnered over 387,000 verified signatures.
Additionally, Castro shared that the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) met with Capas municipal officials to discuss the proposed Pax Silica innovation ecosystem in New Clark City. The BCDA presented plans highlighting how the hub could pull in high-value investments, spark advanced industries, and create quality employment.
The agency also outlined modern agriculture and livelihood initiatives intended for local residents, agreeing with Capas officials to conduct joint community engagement and maintain open updates as the development moves forward.