Archival told: Fix floods before AI

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Councilor Joel Garganera has urged Mayor Nestor Archival to prioritize addressing the city's worsening flooding and garbage problems over promoting high-tech investment projects such as the proposed Pax Silica initiative.

Garganera, chairman of the City Council's Committee on Environment and Energy, said he found it "disbelieving" that Archival, whom he has long regarded as an environmental advocate, would focus on attracting such investments while Cebu City continues to grapple with flooding, solid waste management issues, and watershed degradation.

In a privilege speech before the City Council, Garganera reminded the mayor that 232 days have passed since Archival promised to provide an update on a proposed moratorium on upland development, an issue first raised in December 2025.

"We have not received any report, yet now we hear of interest in Pax Silica," Garganera said.

"This raises an important question of priorities. Economic growth should never come at the expense of environmental sustainability and public welfare," he added.

Garganera argued that Cebu City's current infrastructure and utilities are not prepared to support projects similar to Pax Silica, which are expected to require large volumes of water and a stable power supply.

"We can't even provide enough potable water to our constituents. We are experiencing yellow and red grid alerts every now and then. Our electric and water rates are among the highest in the country. How can we handle the disposal requirements these facilities may generate? Totoki sa atong baha ug basura, Mayor," Garganera declared.

During a press conference on Monday, Archival said Cebu City intends to align itself with the national government's industrialization efforts by preparing its workforce for artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced manufacturing industries.

Speaking during the Board of Investments Visayas Roadshow in Cebu on July 31, the mayor said Cebu must become "future-ready" or risk being left behind in the global economy.

He also announced that the city has entered into agreements with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and TESDA-accredited institutions to integrate AI training for city government employees and returning overseas Filipino workers, reflecting his view that Cebu should seize opportunities in emerging technologies.

The proposed Pax Silica project in New Clark City, Tarlac, envisions the development of a 1,620-hectare hub for semiconductor manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing industries.

Government projections estimate the project could attract as much as $70 billion in investments and generate around 190,000 jobs.

However, critics—including scientists and church leaders—have raised concerns over its potential environmental and social impacts, noting that the facilities could consume between 65 million and 90 million liters of water daily and require between three and five gigawatts of electricity, placing additional strain on existing power grids and groundwater resources.

Opponents have also warned of possible displacement of farmers and Aeta communities in Capas, Tarlac, while questioning the lack of publicly available information about the project's details and investor commitments.

Mayor clarifies

Amid the online backlash that followed his statements welcoming developments similar to Pax Silica, Archival on Tuesday issued a statement clarifying that his earlier remarks had been misconstrued.

"LET ME BE VERY CLEAR. I have seen recent news reports and social media posts that have created the impression that my administration is supporting the Pax Silica project. This is not what I stated during my press conference on August 3. My message was about preparing Cebu City and our people for the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI). We are investing in AI education, digital skills development, and innovation because these are essential to keeping Cebuanos globally competitive and ready for the jobs of tomorrow."

Archival stressed that advocating AI readiness and embracing emerging technologies should not be interpreted as an official endorsement of the Pax Silica project.

"As Mayor of Cebu City, I have not made any official declaration supporting or endorsing the project. My duty is to ensure that any major investment or development that may affect Cebu City will be evaluated objectively, with full transparency, in accordance with the law, with proper public consultation, and with due consideration for environmental protection and the welfare of our people," Archival said. — /FPL (FREEMAN)