DA still assessing Pax Silica's impact on agriculture

The Department of Agriculture (DA) said Tuesday that it is still assessing the possible impact of the controversial Pax Silica initiative on the country’s agriculture sector.

During the House budget briefing on the DA’s proposed P198.45-billion budget for 2027, Gabriela Women’s Party-list Representative Sarah Elago asked the department about its actions regarding the project, which has raised concerns over its potential impact on farmers in Tarlac province.

“Has the DA conducted an assessment of its potential effects, especially given reports that around 15,000 farmers and up to 20,000 Aeta people could lose their livelihoods and ancestral lands because of this project?” she asked in Filipino.

In response, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr. said the assessment was still ongoing.

"Right now, we are still thoroughly assessing the full effects of Pax Silica. The initial reports I have seen indicate that not that many people will be affected. But our assessment is not yet finished," he said.

“From what I understand from what I see on TV, within the 1,600-hectare Clark area, it doesn't seem like there are that many directly affected farmers. I really cannot say as of now until our study comes out on what the effects will be on agriculture," Tiu-Laurel added.

Asked when the assessment would be completed, Tiu-Laurel said, “Perhaps, in another 30 days.”

Pax Silica is the US Department of State’s flagship initiative on artificial intelligence and supply chain security, aimed at advancing a new economic security framework among allies and trusted partners.

Under the initiative, the Philippines and the United States are working to establish a 4,000-acre industrial hub envisioned as a model for AI-focused investment within the Luzon Economic Corridor.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources earlier confirmed that no environmental impact assessment (EIA) had yet been processed for the proposed hub in New Clark City.

Progressive and environmental groups have raised concerns over the project’s potential environmental and social impacts.

Malacañang, however, has assured that no farmers will be displaced, saying the 3,500-hectare area allotted for buildable zones includes the site identified for the Pax Silica project.

Around 6,000 hectares have been reserved for green spaces, forest reserves and planned agricultural areas, it said.— MCG, GMA News