The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) assured that no farmers or Indigenous People will be displaced by the Pax Silica Project in New Clark City, Tarlac, amid concerns raised over the development of the proposed AI-focused industrial hub.
During the Palace press briefing on Thursday, July 23, BCDA President and CEO Joshua Bingcang clarified that the project’s construction area is already within the designated buildable zones under the New Clark City master plan.
Bingcang addressed concerns following earlier claims by Kalikasan National Coordinator Cathleen De Guzman about the possible displacement of around 20,000 Aetas due to the project, which is expected to cover around 1,600 hectares.
“Nasa buildable area na na-designate under the master plan po. So in other words, hindi po totoo na may madidisplace na mga farmers kasi matagal na po itong area na ito na buildable area,” Bingcang said.
He added that the area had already been identified for development even before the project, citing its previous use during the 2019 SEA Games.
“Noong pa po, noong nagkaroon po ito ng 2019 SEA Games,” Bingcang said.
Palace Press Officer Atty. Claire Castro earlier raised concerns about possible impacts on farmers and Indigenous communities, asking whether the structures for the project would be built within areas already intended for development.
The Pax Silica Project aims to establish an AI-focused industrial hub in New Clark City, attracting technology-driven industries while supporting economic development in the area. The BCDA maintained that the project will proceed within the approved development framework without displacing existing communities.
