The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) has endorsed the proposed Pax Silica AI hub, calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity for the country to secure a foothold in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries and move up the global technology value chain.
Speaking at the Kapihan sa Manila Hotel forum on Wednesday, PCCI President Ferdinand Ferrer said the project could transform the Philippines from a consumer of artificial intelligence into a developer of next-generation technologies, provided government and industry execute it effectively.
“For decades, we’ve been on the sidelines. This is our opportunity to be a player, not a benchwarmer,” Ferrer said. “Five years from now, I don’t want us looking back and saying we missed the chance to be part of one of the most disruptive technologies that will shape the next 20 years.”
Ferrer said the business community sees artificial intelligence as a catalyst for growth across semiconductors, electronics, engineering, research and development, advanced manufacturing, design, and digital services. The proposed AI hub is projected to generate about 150,000 direct jobs in engineering and technology, alongside another 700,000 to 750,000 indirect jobs through supporting industries.
He added that the project’s economic gains should extend beyond large corporations to micro, small, and medium enterprises.
“We will make sure the local community gets first crack at these opportunities. Every business can find a role in this ecosystem, from manufacturing and logistics to training, services and support,” Ferrer said.
Responding to concerns raised by various sectors, Ferrer said issues involving power supply, water resources, agriculture, mining, and affected communities are being incorporated into project planning rather than treated as afterthoughts.
On energy, he stressed that the AI hub is designed to develop its own generating capacity, including renewable energy projects, instead of drawing from the country’s existing power supply.
“The plan is for Pax Silica to be power self-sufficient through new generating capacity, including renewable energy investments. If we cannot assure investors of reliable power, they simply will not come,” he said.
Ferrer also said indigenous communities will be protected, while affected residents will receive training and skills upgrading to participate in the emerging AI economy. He added that modern agricultural technologies can improve farm productivity while supporting long-term food security.
For PCCI, the project represents more than a large-scale investment. It is a test of the country’s ability to deliver complex, technology-driven projects that could determine whether the Philippines becomes a regional AI leader or misses another opportunity to capture the next wave of industrial growth.
