Marcos touts AI hub 'Pax Silica' despite public concerns

MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. made a short reference to the Pax Silica initiative during his latest State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 27, despite concern from the public about turning the Philippines into a hub for artificial intelligence (AI). Pax Silica is part of the Marcos agenda in enhancing economic policy and pulling the country up the value chain for technological development. However, the initiative has been critiqued in a variety of ways. This includes worries from a coalition of science and technology organizations and the public on how local mineral extraction will be used to further specific interests that may not be aligned with environmental or national policy concerns. Additionally, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin has also raised worries about the potential energy needed to power an AI hub in the Philippines. Marcos, during his address, simply said a few lines acknowledging the potential — but not the criticisms — of the future initiative. “A product of the 23-member strong and US-led Pax Silica Initiative, the Pax Silica Industrial Hub will create an ecosystem that will have AI at its core. It will bring quality jobs to our people, accelerate our industrial competitiveness, and revitalize our economy,” he said. “As a strategic component of the Luzon Economic Corridor, the hub will be an advanced manufacturing and logistics center in the global AI and technology value chain.” He then went on to discuss Cagayan in northern Philippines as potential gateway for the Philippines to make a spaceport. Following the address, Akbayan Partylist Representative Chel Diokno called for closer scrutiny of Pax Silica and to not rush its implementation. “Tama bang minamadali ang Pax Silica? Kailangan muna ng tunay na konsultasyon sa mga lokal na komunidad, masusing pagsusuri sa epekto sa kalikasan, at kasiguruhang hindi tataas ang presyo ng ating tubig at kuryente,” he said. (Is it correct to rush Pax Silica? We need true consultation with local communities, careful analysis of its environmental effects, and certainties against the possible increase in water and electricity prices.) – Rappler.com