Catholic Educators Urge Trust-Building for Pax Silica Project

The country’s largest network of Catholic schools said public concerns over the proposed Pax Silica Project deserve careful attention, urging government leaders to build trust through transparency, environmental responsibility and meaningful community participation. READ: Church’s social action arm raises concerns over Pax Silica hub | Cardinal presses PH gov’t for transparency in US-led tech pact The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), representing over 1,500 Catholic schools nationwide, issued a statement on Friday, emphasizing the need for a thorough and transparent approach to the project. “We are calling on our government leaders to ensure that the Pax Silica Project is undertaken with the highest degree of transparency, environmental stewardship, and genuine engagement with the affected communities,” the CEAP said in a statement. The group echoed sentiments previously raised by the Catholic Church’s social action arm, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Episcopal Commission on Social Action, Justice and Peace (ECSAP), which expressed reservations about the project’s potential environmental and social impacts. CEAP president, Fr. Joel Tabora, reiterated the importance of public trust in government initiatives, especially those involving significant investments and potential long-term consequences. “Public trust is paramount. For any project, especially one of this magnitude, to succeed, it must earn and maintain the trust of the people. This means being open about its objectives, its potential benefits, its risks, and how these risks will be mitigated,” Tabora stated. The Pax Silica Project, a proposed joint venture involving US-based companies and the Philippine government, aims to develop advanced technology hubs and manufacturing facilities in the country. Proponents argue that it will bring significant economic benefits, create jobs, and enhance the Philippines' technological capabilities. However, critics have raised questions about the environmental safeguards in place, the equitable distribution of benefits, and the potential impact on local livelihoods and ecosystems. CEAP’s call for transparency and participation aligns with broader demands for good governance and accountability in public projects. The organization believes that by involving communities in the decision-making process and ensuring that environmental concerns are adequately addressed, the project can move forward in a manner that is beneficial and acceptable to all stakeholders. Information Source: Interaksyon Politics