President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday highlighted the proposed Pax Silica Industrial Hub in New Clark City, Tarlac, saying the project will generate quality jobs, strengthen the country’s competitiveness, and help revitalize the Philippine economy.

In his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 27, Marcos said the planned industrial hub will establish an ecosystem centered on artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies.

“A product of the 23-member strong and US-led Pax Silica Initiative, the Pax Silica Industrial Hub will create an ecosystem that will have AI at its core,” Marcos said.

“Pax Silica data center will bring quality jobs to our people and accelerate our industrial competitiveness, and revitalize our economy,” he said.

Marcos added: “As a strategic component of the Luzon Economic Corridor, the hub will be an advanced manufacturing and logistics center in the global AI and technology value chain.”

The Pax Silica Initiative, a United States-led partnership, aims to strengthen global supply chains for semiconductors, artificial intelligence infrastructure, and critical minerals. The Philippines is among the countries participating in the initiative.

The planned Pax Silica Industrial Hub will be located within a 1,620-hectare area in New Clark City, Tarlac, and is expected to host AI data centers, semiconductor facilities, and other advanced technology industries.

The project, however, has drawn opposition from environmental groups and other sectors over concerns regarding its possible impact on the environment.

Earlier this month, tensions erupted between protesters and police in Pasay City during a rally opposing the visit of United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio for the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the proposed US-led Pax Silica project.

Meanwhile, Marcos also announced plans to establish the country’s first spaceport in Cagayan, saying the province’s location makes it a strategic gateway for space activities.

“Cagayan is both geographically and economically primed to serve as our gateway to space and host the country's first spaceport. A sounding rocket launch test is slated for next year, in partnership with a South Korean aerospace company,” Marcos said.

He added that a sounding rocket launch test is scheduled next year.

“We are going to launch our rocket into space,” the President said.