PHILIPPINES — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivered a clear message to the international business community: the Philippines is open for investment from any country. His remarks, made at the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) Presidential Luncheon on August 14, 2026, aimed to reassure investors amid the country's push to host the Pax Silica technology hub.
A Global Partnership Perspective
The President addressed concerns about the Philippines' participation in the US-led Pax Silica initiative, which aims to secure supply chains for semiconductors and AI. He clarified that joining this framework does not mean turning away from other partners. "It's not a binary thing," he explained, emphasizing that the country seeks beneficial arrangements with all nations.
He highlighted China's continued role as one of the Philippines' biggest investors. The President noted that Beijing remains a key economic partner, with Chinese nationals enjoying visa-free entry. This practical, business-like approach underscores a foreign policy focused on maximizing economic opportunities for Filipinos regardless of origin.
The Pax Silica Hub and Job Creation
The centerpiece of this strategy is the advanced technology hub in New Clark City, Tarlac. Spanning 1,620 hectares, the Pax Silica Industrial Hub is projected to generate nearly 200,000 jobs and up to ₱180 billion in annual revenues. This initiative is part of a larger effort to process the country's mineral wealth domestically, rather than simply exporting raw materials.
The President emphasized that foreign entities cannot exploit Philippine resources without government approval. He stressed the importance of adding value to these resources by developing local processing capabilities. This approach aims to move the country up the global value chain and create higher-quality employment opportunities.
Safeguarding Community Interests
The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has clarified that government funds will not finance the industrial development itself. Investors are expected to build their own infrastructure, including power and water systems. BCDA resources will instead focus on addressing the social concerns of communities within the development area, including residents and indigenous peoples.
The Senate is actively reviewing the project's environmental and social implications. Lawmakers have stressed that compliance with Philippine laws and the Constitution must not be compromised. This oversight ensures that economic advancement does not come at the expense of local communities or the environment.
Opportunities for Overseas Filipino Workers
For OFWs, the Pax Silica project represents a significant opportunity for career growth back home. The initiative promises high-quality jobs in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, and AI-related industries. Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino has expressed full support, citing the potential to generate nearly one million jobs.
The development of domestic mineral processing capabilities could create higher-value employment, reducing the need for Filipinos to seek work abroad. By offering skilled positions with competitive wages, the project aims to tap into the expertise of the diaspora. This could lead to more families being reunited and contribute to the nation's long-term economic resilience.
