The Department of Agriculture (DA) is currently studying the possible impact of the proposed Pax Silica projec to farmers in Capas, Tarlac, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said on Tuesday.
During the House committee on appropriations’ briefing on the DA’s proposed budget in 2027, Rep. Sarah Elago asked Tiu Laurel if his agency is assessing the possible effects of the proposed initiative to farmers, noting that around 15,200 farmers might lose their agricultural land due to the project.
‘Sa ngayon, inaassess pa naming mabuti yung full effects ng Pax Silica. But initial reports na nakikita ko is hindi ganon karami yung ma-aaffect,’ Tiu Laurel said.
(We are thoroughly assessing the full effects of Pax Silica. But from initial reports, I can say that not too many will be affected.)
‘Di pa tapos yung assessment namin dito but more or less kung from what I understand, what I see on TV, sa lupa lang actually ng Clark area na 1,600 mukhang hindi naman ganon karami yung directly affected na farmer,’ he added.
(Our assessment is not yet done but more or less from what I understand, what I see on TV, on the 1,600 [hectare land] in Clark, it seems that there will not be many farmers who will be directly affected.)
The secretary also shared that the study will be completed in 30 days.
Elago recommended for the assessment to be finished before the start of the budget deliberations in the plenary level of the lower chamber.
The lawmaker also emphasized that development should not compromise the capacity of the country to produce its own food.
‘Kung tunay na priority ang food security, food sufficiency, dapat kasama sa prayoridad ang mahigpit na pangangalaga sa lupang agrikultural lalo sa rice granary dito sa Pilipinas,’ Elago added.
(If food security and food sufficiency is a genuine priority, taking care of agricultural land should be a priority in the country.)
In the same hearing, Rep. Renee Co made the same recommendation as Elago for the lawmakers to have informed decisions.
Co also suggested for the study to include reclassification, hydrologic and irrigation impact assessment, joint monitoring mechanisms to prevent metal contamination and toxic runoff into nearby agricultural soil, among others.
Tiu-laurel then said that the agency will consider the suggestions raised in the hearing.
The controversial Pax Silica hub is set to occupy a 1,620-hectare site at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.
The project has drawn criticisms from many sectors, citing the large volume of water needed r and gigawatts of electricity daily.
Inquirer data scientist Dr. Alicor Panao warned that the Pax Silica poses an energy challenge, ‘which would require a substantial and reliable power supply to support AI-related infrastructure,’ pointing out that the Philippines does not have the same level of electricity capacity unlike other countries.
Despite these contentions, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. , in his fifth State of the Nation Address said that the initiative will bring more quality jobs, enhance the country’s competitiveness through an AI-focused industrial hub, and improve the economy.