THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is now conducting an environmental impact assessment of the Pax Silica project amid emerging concerns on its possible negative effects in the communities to be covered by the United States (US)-led initiative, according to Malacañang.
The Pax Silica aims to challenge China’s dominance in semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI) by establishing new supply chains by building data centers and rare earth processing facilities in partner countries of the US.
The Philippines is among the 23 countries, which signed the Pax Silica Declaration, while Taiwan is a non-signatory participant of the said agreement.
Local scientific experts have warned of the potential destructive effects to the environment of the project. In the US, there is growing opposition against data centers used to train AI, which consume large amounts of power and water.
In a press briefing last Monday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said is now looking at the possible negative effects to the environment of the Pax Silica project and how to mitigate it upon the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos.
‘They will ensure the existence of an environmental impact statement and an environmental management plan [for Pax Silica]; regulations will be enforced through the Environmental Management Bureau, and Multipartite Monitoring Teams will conduct regular monitoring [for the project],’ she said in Filipino.
The announcement comes after the Bases and Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) announced the framework deal for the 4,000-acre AI hub to be built in the New Clark City in Tarlac under Pax Silica is set to be finalized by November.
Citing the position of the National Water Resources Board (NWRB), Castro said there is sufficient water supply for the said project.
‘The project is being planned and developed with the clear commitment that water needs of surrounding communities will remain the foremost priority and will not be compromised at any stage of implementation or operation,’ she said.
She also assured the government will provide support to farmers, who might lose their livelihood due to the construction of the AI-hub in Tarlac.
‘We know that the President’s heart lies with the farmers. They are his priority-primarily for the sake of food security. Should any farmers face displacement, the government will ensure they do not lose their livelihood,’ Castro said.
‘The President ensures that all actions taken are in accordance with the law and will not harm the environment or displace our fellow citizens without providing just compensation or alternatives,’ she added.
Castro also maintained that the government will continue to have control in the AI-hub.
‘The President previously stated that we will not surrender even a square inch of our territory to any foreign power. So, this applies to everyone-not just one country, but everyone,’ she said.