‘Philippines, US may ink Pax Silica AI hub framework by November’

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and the United States may sign the framework deal for the Pax Silica artificial intelligence (AI) hub by November, according to the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).

In an interview with ANC, BCDA president and CEO Joshua Bingcang said the framework to govern the AI hub being developed in New Clark City in Tarlac is now being finalized.

“Should US President Donald Trump come here as part of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Summit in November, it’s one of the big announcements that they will make as part of the 80th year of the Philippines-US relationship,” he said.

“We are under pressure to make sure that we deliver that,” he said.

The BCDA expects the framework to be finalized in two to three months.

The Philippines and the US are developing a 4,000-acre AI industrial hub in New Clark City under the Pax Silica initiative.

Led by the US, the Pax Silica seeks to build a secure and resilient AI supply chain.

The Philippines joined the Pax Silica initiative in April.

The proposed AI hub is expected to be a game-changer for the Philippines as the country aims to become a significant player in new and emerging technologies and create quality jobs.

Ayala Corp. chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala said at the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) general membership meeting that the private sector is now mapping out how it can contribute to the Pax Silica and Luzon Economic Corridor initiatives.

“We’ve agreed at least as first steps, that we’ll work between the Makati Business Club and the American Chamber to…rather than wait and give instructions, we move forward and start to map a path that will allow us to harness a rare opportunity where there is US emphasis on the Philippines,” he said.

He said the private sector would define sectors where it can work together in relation to the two initiatives that are bringing attention to the Philippines.

“If we can all build around that, build some momentum around it through our friendships and the relationships we have and the institutions that we’re tied up to, then I think we have a unique opportunity to bring momentum to an important area in the country and I’m excited to participate in that in any way I can,” he said.

AmCham executive director Ebb Hinchliffe said that the groups have agreed to start working together in the next coming weeks and not wait for the government.

“From the private sector, let’s start focusing on what’s needed, how do we do it, who’s going to do it from the private sector and let the government join us as is possible,” he said.