Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has belied reports that the city is supporting the controversial Pax Silica Project.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, Archival said what he said in a press conference is that Cebu City will be investing in AI (artificial intelligence) education, digital skills development, and innovation.

He wrote:

“LET ME BE VERY CLEAR.

I have seen recent news reports and social media posts that have created the impression that my administration is supporting the Pax Silica project. This is not what I stated during my press conference on August 3.

My message was about preparing Cebu City and our people for the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI). We are investing in AI education, digital skills development, and innovation because these are essential to keeping Cebuanos globally competitive and ready for the jobs of tomorrow.”

He said supporting AI readiness and embracing technologies should not be interpreted as the city endorsing the Pax Silica project.

He wrote further:

“As Mayor of Cebu City, I have not made any official declaration supporting or endorsing the project. My duty is to ensure that any major investment or development that may affect Cebu City will be evaluated objectively, with full transparency, in accordance with the law, with proper public consultation, and with due consideration for environmental protection and the welfare of our people.

I respectfully ask everyone to read my statements in their full context and not rely solely on headlines or interpretations. Public discourse should always be guided by facts, accuracy, and responsible reporting.

My commitment remains unchanged—to prepare Cebu City for the opportunities of the future while always protecting the best interests of every Cebuano.”

PAX SILICA

In a story by GMA News Online, Pax Silica  is described as a US-led initiative and economic security framework that hopes to create a global supply chain for AI and the semiconductor industry.

The Philippines is among the 24 countries that signed the agreement.

No less than President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. highlighted and defended the project during his fifth State of the Nation Address in July 2026.

The project involves the proposed industrial hub, which will span 1,600 hectares in New Clark City in Tarlac.

In report by GMA News’ Mariz Umali on 24 Oras, an AI data center contains a number of supercomputers that can think of answers and generate photos and videos.

Authorities also said the project aims to process the country’s critical minerals and to make high-tech components for AI and semiconductors.

Three industries are expected to create jobs because of Pax Silica, that will add to the country's income and tax collection, namely: AI processing, chip manufacturing, and mining, the GMA News Online report said.

CONCERNS

But several groups have raised concerns about the project’s possible impact, particularly on the environment and the people living in the area.

The project reportedly could have negative effects on the environment because AI facilities require massive amounts of water and electricity.

AI facilities reportedly have cooling systems that, in some large centers, use up to five million gallons of water every day.

The Kalikasan group also said the facility may cause noise pollution, which could disturb local wildlife such as birds.

Groups have also raised the possible displacement of around 20,000 Aetas and farmers but Engr. Joshua Bingcang, President and CEO of Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) the group that will manage the project, has said the project site is titled and there is no ancestral domain title there.