The Philippine government has confirmed that the signing of the Pax Silica project agreement will not take place during the upcoming ASEAN Summit. Instead, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is aiming for a signing by the end of 2026.
Strategic Timing for Pax Silica
'We do not want to distract attention or take away attention from the regional initiatives that ASEAN and the Philippines are proposing,' said DTI Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo.
Ceferino Rodolfo, DTI Undersecretary
The ASEAN Summit, hosted by the Philippines from November 15 to 18, will prioritize discussions on regional initiatives. Rodolfo emphasized the importance of allowing the Pax Silica project its own dedicated moment for signing, rather than sharing the spotlight with other significant events.
- The signing was initially targeted for November.
- US Ambassador Lee Lipton clarified that no announcement regarding Pax Silica would occur during the summit.
Despite this delay, Rodolfo expressed optimism for finalizing the agreement by year-end, stating, 'I think we’re still on track towards having an agreement by the end of this year.'
Pax Silica is a transformative project aimed at developing a 1,600-hectare site in New Clark City, Tarlac. It is set to enhance supply chains for semiconductors and critical minerals, vital for the future of advanced manufacturing in the Philippines.
However, the initiative faces opposition from environmental advocates and local communities concerned about displacement and resource management. Rodolfo clarified that ongoing consultations with stakeholders are an integral part of the project's development process.