DENR: Pax Silica’s environmental impact not assessed

MANILA, Philippines — No environmental impact assessment (EIA) has been “applied for or processed” on Pax Silica, Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said during the House of Representatives hearing on Wednesday.

Cuna made the statement in response to Kabataan party-list Rep. Renee Co’s question about whether or not an assessment has been done regarding the project.

“There has been no environmental impact assessment applied for or processed, Mr. Chair, this time. In fact, there’s no clear project description actually that we are aware of at this time. So for us to be able to intelligently assess any environmental impact, the project description should be clear,” Cuna said.

Under the US-led international initiative, a 1,600-hectare high-tech industrial hub will be built at New Clark City in Capas. The project aims to support artificial intelligence infrastructure, data centers and advanced semiconductor manufacturing.

Several farmers and indigenous people’s groups are opposing the project due to possible displacement.

Experts have also raised concerns for potential environmental impacts especially water supply.

Asked if the master plan has been approved by the DENR, Environmental Management Bureau Director Michael Drake Matias clarified an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) was issued for the Bases Conversion and Development Authority’s development plan for an area in New Clark City, but not Pax Silica specifically.

“I think the good congresswoman is referring to the ECC that was issued for the development plan of the BCDA, which covers the entire area. But if we’re going to look at the project, Sir, as mentioned in the reports, the 1,600 hectares has no specific projects that will be located in the area,” Matias said.

“If there will be applications or projects within that 1,600, then they will be required to undergo an EIA. So they will be required to secure an ECC for that specific project,” he added.

Palace press officer Claire Castro earlier said that the DENR vowed to establish an environmental impact statement and plan on Pax Silica.