The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), which groups the country’s largest business conglomerates and industry leaders, strongly urged the Marcos administration to pursue the Pax Silica Initiative stating it is strategic and transformative that will strengthen the Philippines’ integration into the global technology supply chains, but also called for strong safeguards.
In a statement, MAP said described the Pax Silica Initiative as one of the most consequential economic represents one of the most consequential economic development opportunities presented to the Philippines in recent decades.
“MAP supports the pursuit of the Pax Silica Initiative because it presents a potentially transformative opportunity to accelerate industrial development, create quality jobs, develop Filipino talent, and strengthen the nation’s position in the global economy,” MAP said.
The Pax Silica Initiative is spearheaded by the U.S. government as an anchor project in the ambitious Luzon Economic Corridor.
Already, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority has already allocated a 4,000-acre lot in New Clark City to serve as a Pax Silica Coordination Office where technology firms, research institutions, and government agencies can converge to build a robust AI ecosystem, accelerate innovation, attract high-value investments.
“Conceived as a technology-and innovation-driven hub focused on semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), advanced manufacturing, and critical-mineral value chains, Pax Silica has the potential to accelerate industrial development, generate high-quality employment, attract substantial investments, and strengthen the Philippines’ integration into global technology supply chains,” MAP said.
At the same time, MAP recognizes the legitimate concerns raised by various sectors regarding environmental sustainability, resource utilization, community impact, economic sovereignty, and the long-term strategic interests of the Philippines.
The group said that its support for the initiative must be accompanied by clear safeguards that ensure technology transfer, environmental sustainability, inclusive growth, Filipino capability building, and the protection of national interests.
But the country’s leading organization of management professionals urged that the discussion should not be framed as whether the Philippines should categorically embrace or reject Pax Silica.
Rather, the critical issue is whether the agreements, governance structures, and implementation mechanisms can be designed in a manner that maximizes value to the Filipino people while effectively managing economic, social, environmental, and
geopolitical risks.
“MAP therefore adopts the position that the Philippines should pursue Pax Silica, if it is anchored on a clear framework of national interest, shared prosperity, sustainability, and accountability,” MAP said in a statement.
The group noted that the Philippines has long sought to move beyond a development model primarily reliant on labor exports, consumption-led growth, and the export of raw or minimally processed resources. To achieve sustained and inclusive prosperity, the country must participate more meaningfully in higher-value economic activities, including advanced
manufacturing, research and development, digital infrastructure, and technology innovation.
“Pax Silica presents an opportunity to support this strategic transition,” MAP added.
Government and project proponents have cited the potential to create significant employment opportunities, attract large-scale investments, strengthen semiconductor and AI-related capabilities, and position the Philippines as an important node within emerging global supply chains.
MAP therefore supports the pursuit of investments that can raise national productivity, create quality jobs, develop Filipino talent, and expand the country’s technological capabilities. However, these outcomes cannot be assumed. They must be deliberately negotiated, contractually protected, and institutionally monitored.
Industrialization
At the same time, MAP also equally emphasized that industrialization and value addition must be a core objective. The Philippines should ensure that Pax Silica contributes to domestic industrial capabilities rather than merely serving as a location for extraction, assembly, or low-value activity. The agreements should encourage progressive value addition in mineral
processing, component manufacturing, technology development, advanced manufacturing, and research activities.
It also cited the need to ensure that technology transfer and capability building must be measurable so that long-term success should be measured not only by investment inflows but also by capabilities developed among Filipinos.
As such, MAP advocates for commitments on local R&D, university and research partnerships, workforce development, scholarships, internships, technical training, and pathways for Filipino technical and managerial leadership.
In addition, the group strongly urged that Filipinos must be prioritized for quality jobs and career progression.
Industrialization must not come at the expense of environmental degradation. “Strong environmental stewardship must be non-negotiable. Economic progress and environmental responsibility must advance together. Given concerns on water use, power demand, emissions, biodiversity, and resource utilization, MAP supports rigorous safeguards, transparency measures, independent monitoring, and compliance with Philippine laws and international best practices,” MAP said.
MAP also called on safeguarding national sovereignty and Philippine jurisdiction must be preserved. “All activities within Pax Silica should remain fully subject to Philippine laws, regulations, taxation rules, labor standards, environmental requirements, and judicial processes. Economic partnerships should strengthen—not diminish—the Philippines’ policy autonomy,” it added.
The Philippines should neither approach Pax Silica with blind optimism nor reflexive opposition. The country should approach it as a strategic negotiation, MAP said.
