MANILA, Philippines — More than 50 civic, environmental and Indigenous groups on Monday formed a coalition opposing Pax Silica, a US-led initiative that they say could threaten communities and put additional pressure on the country’s water, energy and natural resources.
The Network Opposed to Pax Silica brings together environmental advocates, scientists and Indigenous groups seeking to challenge the Philippines’ participation in the initiative, according to Teddy Casiño, chairman of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan.
“Pax Silica is not just a simple investment program or industrial strategy,” Casiño said. “This is the new field of economic warfare.”
He said the initiative involves competition over materials, technology and infrastructure that could shape future economic development.
The Philippines joined Pax Silica in April as the United States seeks to reduce its dependence on China for technology and supply chains involving artificial intelligence, semiconductors and critical minerals.
The United States plans to establish an industrial hub in the Philippines as part of those efforts.
Plans for an industrial hub in Central Luzon have drawn opposition from groups that warn large-scale developments, including a possible data center, could increase demand for water and electricity, strain the power grid and displace communities.
Apung Petronila Capiz-Muñoz, an Aeta chieftain from Sitio Sapang Kawayan in Tarlac, said her community opposes any Pax Silica development that could affect their ancestral domain.
“We are against Pax Silica because it is a violation of our rights, especially our community, our livelihood, our church, our burial ground,” Capiz-Muñoz said.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has said there is no clear project description or environmental assessment yet for the proposed Pax Silica development.
