Students from several universities in Baguio City and Benguet staged a walkout protest at Igorot Garden on Friday opposing the proposed Pax Silica initiative and the planned visit of U.S. President Donald Trump to the Philippines for the 49th ASEAN Summit from Nov. 16 to 18.

According to a report by RH Romy Gonzales, the protest brought together students from the University of the Philippines Baguio, Saint Louis University, University of the Cordilleras, University of Baguio, Benguet State University, Easter College and Baguio City National Science High School.

Protesters raised concerns over the proposed 1,600-hectare (about 4,000-acre) technology and industrial hub in New Clark City, Tarlac, citing potential displacement of Indigenous Aeta communities, environmental damage and depletion of natural resources.

They also warned that the initiative could threaten national sovereignty, control over the country's natural resources, agricultural lands and the livelihoods of local communities.

The students said the walkout was a call for freedom, national industrialization, environmental protection and the defense of Filipinos' rights and livelihoods.

They stressed that the welfare, lands and livelihoods of Filipinos should not be sacrificed to serve the interests of foreign powers and large corporations.