MANILA – The Philippines has officially entered Pax Silica, a United States-led alliance composed of 14 countries aimed at strengthening secure supply chains for semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI).
Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo, who also serves as managing head and vice chairperson of the Board of Investments, formalized the country’s participation by signing the declaration on April 17.
Following this development, the US Embassy in Manila announced plans to establish a 4,000-acre industrial zone within the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC). The facility is envisioned to become the first AI-focused industrial acceleration hub under the Pax Silica framework.
The proposed site will function as a platform for allied manufacturing, serving as an investment hub where industries can adapt operations based on market demand.
According to the US Department of State, the location offers strategic advantages, including the Philippines’ central position in the Indo-Pacific region, a young and skilled workforce, and strengthening bilateral ties with the United States.
The embassy added that the economic zone will help address the evolving requirements of the Pax Silica network while maximizing the country’s competitive strengths.
Pax Silica is being promoted by the US as a cooperative partnership among nations seeking to boost AI capabilities and secure global supply chains.
The Philippines is now among the signatories, joining countries such as Australia, Finland, India, Israel, Japan, Qatar, South Korea, Singapore, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States. More countries are expected to join the initiative.
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