NCIP holds dialogue with Aeta community in Tarlac over Pax Silica

The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) held a dialogue with the Aeta Hungey Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) in Sitio Binyayan, Capas, Tarlac, to hear and address their concerns about the proposed Pax Silica Project.

In a Facebook post, the NCIP said its Secretary and Chairperson Nancy Catamco, Ethnographic Commissioner for Region III and the Rest of Luzon Rhodex Valenciano, and other agency representatives visited the Aeta community.

“Tapat na iniharap ng mga kinatawan ng ICCs/IPs ang kanilang mga alalahanin, mula sa posibleng pagkagambala sa kanilang mga tirahan at kabuhayan, hanggang sa kanilang ancestral domain claim,” the NCIP said.

(Representatives of the ICCs/IPs candidly raised their concerns, ranging from possible disruptions to their homes and livelihoods to their ancestral domain claims.)

“Direktang tiniyak ng NCIP sa mga komunidad: hindi mababale-wala ang mga hinaing na ito. Ipaaabot ito sa Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), kasama ang kahilingan para sa sapat at malinaw na impormasyon tungkol sa Pax Silica Project,” the agency said.

(The NCIP directly assured the communities that these concerns would not be ignored. They will be relayed to the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), along with a request for sufficient and clear information about the Pax Silica Project.)

The dialogue was attended by local government leaders and indigenous representatives, including Capas Mayor Atty. Boots Rodriguez, Municipal IPMR Antonio Gutierrez, Sapang Kawayan Chieftain Petronilla Capiz Munoz, Barangay Aranguren IPMR Judith Lasquite, former IPO Chairman and Pagmimiha AD James Dela Cruz, Barangay Cut-cut II IPMR Analyn Aquino, Barangay Kagawad Gilbert Rueda, former Commissioner Bayani Sumaoang, Asosasyon ng mga Katutubo sa Mahawang President Casamira Maniego, and Binastro Julian.

“Bahagi ito ng patuloy na pagkilos ng NCIP upang matiyak na napapangalagaan at naipagtatanggol ang mga karapatan at kapakanan ng mga apektadong Katutubong Pamayanan. Bilang pangunahing ahensiyang may mandatong protektahan at isulong ang mga karapatan ng ICCs/IPs, patuloy na tututukan ng NCIP ang mga susunod na hakbang kaugnay ng Pax Silica Project at titiyaking naririnig at isinasaalang-alang ang boses at karapatan ng mga komunidad na maaapektuhan,” the agency said.

(This is part of the NCIP’s continuing efforts to ensure that the rights and welfare of affected Indigenous Communities are protected and upheld. As the primary agency mandated to protect and promote the rights of ICCs/IPs, the NCIP will continue to closely monitor the next steps concerning the Pax Silica Project and ensure that the voices and rights of affected communities are heard and taken into consideration.)

“Gagawin ng komisyon ang lahat ng nararapat na aksyon upang matiyak na mapangangalagaan ang boses, karapatan, at kapakanan ng mga Ayta Hungey, alinsunod sa umiiral na batas,” it added.

(The commission will take all necessary actions to ensure that the voices, rights, and welfare of the Ayta Hungey are protected in accordance with existing laws.)

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.

The Philippines in April officially joined the Pax Silica initiative, cementing its place among other 23 global signatories, including the European Union, Japan, India, Singapore, South Korea, and the United Kingdom

As part of the initiative, Manila and Washington are working to establish a 4,000-acre industrial hub that is envisioned as a new model for AI-focused investment within the Luzon Economic Corridor.

The Pax Silica project is being criticized by many green groups for the massive amounts of energy and water it will likely consume once built.

Some groups have alleged that the project could displace agricultural land and indigenous communities.

The government, however, has continuously defended the project, reiterating that it will generate jobs and income.

The Marcos administration said no farmers will be displaced by the proposed Pax Silica project in Tarlac, noting that the site has been designated as a “buildable zone” since 2019. —VBL, GMA News