The Philippines is positioning itself for a larger role in the US’ critical minerals supply chain, with fresh details expected as both sides prepare for a bilateral strategic dialogue next week, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez said.
Speaking at a February 10 press conference, Romualdez said a proposed critical minerals partnership with Washington is “very important” for Manila, as the US moves to secure reliable supplies of key inputs for clean energy, semiconductors and advanced technologies.
The talks follow the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) during the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio last week. The MOU outlines cooperation on sustainable mining, processing, refining and recycling of critical minerals and rare earths.
“There is going to be a bilateral strategic dialogue between the United States and the Philippines in the coming week. I think it is during that time that we will have more information regarding the critical minerals agreement,” Romualdez said.
He noted that the Philippines is among a select group of countries engaged by Washington on critical minerals cooperation, as Manila seeks to move up the global value chain. A major opportunity lies in domestic processing, particularly for nickel, one of the country’s top mineral exports.
“Almost 90 percent of our nickel is exported to China because of the processing that we do not have right now,” Romualdez said. “That is one area where we can have very good cooperation with the United States.”
Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources are pursuing a “whole-of-government” strategy to attract high-value processing investments under the MOU.
Using the Board of Investments, the Philippines aims to draw capital not only into mining, but also power, logistics and advanced manufacturing.
DENR Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla emphasized the agreement’s focus on environmental sustainability and responsible resource management, including advanced recycling.
By capturing more value locally, the partnership could boost industrial growth, create high-skilled jobs and position the Philippines as a trusted, green supplier in future-focused global markets.
