The Philippines’ planned high-technology hub under Pax Silica in New Clark City is emerging as a major investment magnet, with the project expected to attract up to USD70 billion in investments, create as many as 190,000 direct jobs, and accelerate the country’s push into advanced manufacturing.
Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) President and CEO Joshua Bingcang said around 30 companies have already expressed interest in locating in the proposed high-tech industrial hub, reflecting strong investor appetite for a project designed to move the Philippines higher in global value chains.
The development is projected to generate between 130,000 and 190,000 high-quality direct jobs, deliver up to USD200 billion in annual exports, and contribute an estimated P68 billion to P75 billion in initial taxes, with total government revenues potentially reaching P180 billion.
Speaking at a Palace press briefing, Bingcang said Pax Silica will focus beyond data centers by attracting advanced manufacturing firms that can process strategic minerals such as copper and nickel into components and finished high-tech products for export markets.
“We have lots of talent. The objective is brain gain instead of brain drain for our engineers and computer science graduates,” Bingcang said.
The 1,600-hectare site north of Clark International Airport has long been designated for industrial development and already has key infrastructure in place. BCDA plans to develop the project in phases over 10 to 15 years, with initial agreements targeted this year, site development beginning in 2027, and construction starting in 2028.
Bingcang also sought to reassure investors on policy stability, saying BCDA contracts are designed to provide long-term certainty despite changes in government leadership.
“We want this contract to be treated as a commercial business contract,” he said. “Investors can be assured of stable, predictable policies.”
The project will comply with Philippine laws and environmental regulations, maintain at least 40 percent open space, develop sustainable water harvesting systems, secure clean and reliable power, and follow international environmental, social, and governance standards.
For water supply, the hub’s initial design capacity is 120 million liters per day, while expected industrial demand is estimated at 65 million to 90 million liters daily. Capacity can eventually expand to 300 million liters per day through surface water harvesting.
Power demand for full development is estimated at around 3 gigawatts. BCDA plans to meet requirements through clean and reliable energy sources, beginning with a 500-megawatt solar project and a proposed 1.2-gigawatt LNG facility that can be expanded based on demand.
Pax Silica is being positioned as more than an industrial estate. It is envisioned as a strategic technology and manufacturing ecosystem that can attract high-value investments, create skilled jobs, and strengthen the Philippines’ role in resilient global supply chains.
