ILOILO City – The possibility of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers and technology hubs rising in Panay Island is facing mounting opposition over fears these could strain the region’s power and water supplies, intensify mining and threaten agricultural lands and farmers’ livelihoods.
Youth, farmers, women and other progressive groups raised the warning during a protest led by the League of Filipino Students (LFS) at the Infante Flyover here.
The demonstrators trained their opposition on the proposed Pax Silica industrial hubs and other technology infrastructure projects being pushed in the region.
Protesters described Pax Silica as a United States-led international arrangement involving 23 countries aimed at expanding semiconductor manufacturing and technology supply chains.
While proponents portray technology investments as drivers of modernization and economic development, demonstrators warned that resource-intensive industrial facilities could impose significant environmental and social costs on host communities.
They said high-density technology hubs and AI data centers could place massive additional demand on Panay’s electricity grid and water resources, particularly because data centers require substantial power and cooling.
Activists also warned that expansion of semiconductor-related industries could encourage increased extraction and mining of minerals needed for manufacturing.
Another major concern is the potential conversion or acquisition of agricultural lands for industrial development, which protesters said could displace farmers and undermine rural livelihoods.
The September 11 mobilization came amid growing opposition to proposed technology infrastructure projects in Iloilo.
Protesters cited the August 14 public consultation in Oton, Iloilo, involving the proposed AI data center of Norway Green Energy.
During the consultation, Daniel Stefan Robertsen of Norway Green Energy, identified as the project’s primary proponent, walked out of the proceedings after residents and stakeholders voiced opposition to the project.
Community members raised concerns about environmental risks, sustainability and the project’s possible effects on their communities.
Lucy Francisco of Gabriela Panay, who joined the September 11 mobilization, called for the immediate abandonment of projects that protesters believe could endanger communities and natural resources.
“This hazardous and potentially deadly project must be stopped immediately,” Francisco urged.
Francisco said government resources should instead be directed toward education, healthcare and other essential social services rather than supporting resource-intensive corporate infrastructure.
The protesters also broadened their demonstration to condemn what they described as US imperialism, government corruption and inadequate funding for public education.
For the groups, the controversy surrounding the proposed AI data center is not merely about whether Panay should embrace new technology, but about who ultimately bears the environmental and economic costs of large-scale industrial development./PN
