CAPAS, Tarlac — United States Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg led the unveiling of marker and site inspection for the first-ever Pax Silica Initiative AI hub in Luzon at the New Clark City here on May 18.
Helberg was joined by Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary for Industry Development and Trade Policy Ceferino Rodolfo, and Bases Conversion and Development Authority president and CEO Joshua Bingcang.
Also present were representatives from the U.S. government, World Bank Group, US technology firms, and key stakeholders as part of ongoing engagements related to the Pax Silica initiative and the growing strategic cooperation and investment opportunities in New Clark City to view and study of the site.
An agreement between the Philippines and the United States was announced last month for a landmark partnership of the first AI-native industrial acceleration hub is to be located within the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) of NCC.
The said hub, which will be developed under the US Department of State’s flagship effort, the Pax Silica Initiative, will have industrial facilities in Clark for the processing of the country’s critical minerals, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and artificial intelligence.
It is designed as a future-ready platform that will serve as the Philippines’ forefront for next-generation global supply chains, as the country moves from resource extraction to higher-value, technology-driven manufacturing.
The said hub aims to support the growing AI, digital infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and future-ready technologies industries.
According to the BCDA, Helberg’s visit also follows the LEC Steering Committee meeting held last week where the US, Japan, and the Philippines reaffirmed their commitment to advancing economic growth and mutual prosperity in the region.
The project is also considered to have a major contribution to strengthening logistics connectivity in Luzon and reinforcing the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing ecosystem that the LEC aims to promote.
The BCDA said they are grateful for the US leadership and commitment for the said project that will bring Luzon to a world class economic hub.
After the site inspection, further discussion will be set to tackle whether the said project will be subject to lease, joint venture or concession based on the evaluation.
Bingcang said that the United States requested diplomatic immunity during the implementation of the project but they did not agree and explained that only the Investor’s Lease Act and BCDA law will apply.
According to Rodolfo, minerals obtained in the country are exported as unprocessed and this project will help the Philippines’ potential for the need for critical minerals worldwide.
He said that following the announcement of the existence of this 4,000-hectare A.I hub project, several companies have already notified their interest in building energy industries, transportation, water management systems and robotics here.
