Tribal leader concerns

Tribal leader Petronila Munoz expressed concerns over lack of consultation and clarity from Philippine authorities regarding relocation and compensation for ancestral lands.

“What will happen to us? That’s our biggest question.”

US-led tech hub initiative

The US-led Pax Silica initiative aims to create a tech hub potentially attracting up to $70 billion in investment and creating 190,000 jobs in the Philippines.

Land designation for hub

The Philippines has designated a 1,620-hectare (4,000-acre) site in New Clark City, Tarlac province, for a manufacturing hub producing high-end AI components.

Relocation warning

In July, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) warned Aeta Hungey tribe they must leave by December and relocate 16 kilometres from their current home.

Land compensation offer

BCDA offered the tribe just 30 pesos (US$0.48) per square metre for their lands, an offer all declined by the tribe.

BCDA response

BCDA declined to address specific questions about the Aetas’ situation and rejected a freedom of information request for the site’s official boundary map and geospatial data.

Senate hearing statement

At a Senate hearing, BCDA president Joshua Bingcang stated the Aetas were living on government land and hold no land title, like many Indigenous groups in the Philippines.

Environmental concerns

Civic groups raised concerns about the project’s environmental impact, particularly water and electricity demands in a country plagued by droughts and power outages.

US Statement on environmental impact

The US Statement Department said environmental, water, energy, and community-impact studies would inform the project’s design before major development.

Political economist view

Political economist Calixto Chikiamco called Pax Silica a 'historic opportunity' for the Philippines to move beyond microchip testing and packaging through technology transfer.

AI expert perspective

Alvin Camba, research director at an AI firm, said Manila’s relationship with the US could motivate investors to set up shop despite power concerns.

Tribal resistance

63-year-old tribal leader Petronila Munoz said she would not leave her ancestral lands even if a backhoe flattened her home.