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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Public needs correct information about Pax Silica — Palace

Public needs correct information about Pax Silica — Palace

Published Aug 6, 2026 06:06 pm
Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro (Betheena Unite)
Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro (Betheena Unite)
Malacañang asserted that the public just needs accurate information about Pax Silica amid steady opposition and criticisms.
Citing social media posts that "show only the negative aspects" of the proposed Pax Silica artificial intelligence (AI) industrial hub in Tarlac, Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro emphasized the importance of providing the public with accurate information about the project.
"Siguro mas maganda lamang po na mabigyan sila ng tamang impormasyon kung paano ang Pax Silica na gagawin at kung paano ito makakabuti sa ating bansa (Perhaps it would be better to provide them with the correct information about what Pax Silica will involve and how it can benefit our country)," Castro said in a Palace briefing on Thursday, Aug. 6.
The Palace official again debunked claims that the controversial project may displace farmers.
"Pero, ang sabi nga natin, year 2019 ay na-allocate na po ang 3,500 ng buildable zones. So, iyong 3,500 hindi na po ito dapat na sinasaka, mayroon pong mga lugar na para sa ating mga magsasaka sa nasabing lugar (But as we have said, in 2019, 3,500 hectares were already allocated as buildable zones. So those 3,500 hectares are no longer supposed to be used for farming. There are designated areas in that location intended for our farmers)," Castro said.
"So, siguro tama lang na pagbibigay ng impormasyon sa ating mga kababayan (So perhaps it is only right to provide our fellow citizens with the proper information)," she added.
Castro also hoped that everyone who signed the petition "was aware of the details regarding this matter."
She said this when sought for reaction on the separate petitions of groups like Bayan and the International League of People’s Struggle, with one petition getting over 387,000 verified signatures.
During the briefing, Castro also disclosed that on Wednesday, Aug. 5,  the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) met with the municipal government of Capas to continue the discussion on the proposed Pax Silica innovation ecosystem in New Clark City, Tarlac.
She said that the BCDA has outlined how the proposed hub can attract advanced industries and high-value investment to New Clark City while creating quality jobs and new opportunities for local business.
The state-run firm also presented plans for modern agriculture projects and livelihood initiatives that will benefit local residents and farmers within New Clark City, she added.
BCDA and the local government of Capas also agreed to continuously pursue joint activities to engage barangays and local communities, provide updates as plans progress and help residents better understand the proposed development and its potential benefits for Capas.

Related Tags

Pax Silica BCDA Malacañang Tarlac Claire Castro
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