MANILA — The Philippines and the United States are accelerating the implementation of the Pax Silica initiative and the Luzon Economic Corridor, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirming their commitment to fast-track the flagship economic and technology projects expected to attract artificial intelligence (AI) industries, advanced manufacturing investments, and strengthen the country’s economic growth.
The initiatives took center stage during talks between Marcos and Rubio in Malacañang, where both sides underscored efforts to deepen Philippine-US economic and technology cooperation amid growing global competition in AI and critical supply chains.
Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said the meeting reflected both governments’ determination to move the projects forward, noting that President Marcos was pleased with the progress being made.
“Pax Silica and the Luzon Economic Corridor are two of the main points that President Marcos has expressed. Well, I wouldn’t say gratitude, but he’s very pleased that it’s moving quickly and that will definitely help the Philippine economy,” Romualdez said.
The discussions followed the Philippines’ participation in the US-led Pax Silica program in April alongside 22 other economies, including Japan, India, Singapore, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the European Union.
Spearheaded by the US State Department, Pax Silica aims to establish a network of trusted partners in artificial intelligence and critical supply chains while advancing a new framework for economic security.
Among its flagship Philippine projects is the planned development of a 4,000-acre industrial zone within the Luzon Economic Corridor, which is expected to attract AI-driven industries and high-value advanced manufacturing investments.
The Department of Finance has identified Pax Silica as one of Washington’s priority economic engagements with the Philippines, with government agencies already working on the legal and operational requirements needed to roll out the initiative.
Despite strong government backing, the program has drawn criticism from some sectors, which have raised concerns over its potential implications for Philippine sovereignty, land use, environmental protection, and the country’s geopolitical position./PN
