# Philippine Ancestral Lands at Risk from US$70b Tech Hub

> Tribal leader warns ancestral lands threatened by US-led tech hub project.
- Title: Philippine Ancestral Lands at Risk from US$70b Tech Hub
- Summary: Tribal leader warns ancestral lands threatened by US-led tech hub project. Philippine Aeta Hungey tribe faces displacement and land loss due to US-led Pax…
- Keywords: pax silica, aeta hungey, philippines, bcda, us investment, ancestral lands, indigenous rights, tech hub, displacement, land compensation, news, world
- Source: Malay Mail — https://malaymail.com/news/life/2026/09/20/what-will-happen-to-us-philippine-ancestral-lands-at-risk-from-us70b-foreign-tech-hub/235872
- Published: 2026-09-20T21:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: pax silica, aeta hungey, philippines, bcda, us investment, ancestral lands, indigenous rights, tech hub, displacement, land compensation, news, world
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Philippine Aeta Hungey tribe faces displacement and land loss due to US-led Pax Silica tech hub project with potential $70 billion investment.