The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has clarified that the upcoming Pax Silica project in New Clark City will not rely on the community’s existing water supply, amid concerns that the development could affect local water resources.
During a Palace press briefing on Thursday, July 23, BCDA President and CEO Joshua Bingcang said the project will utilize surface water harvesting, or collected rainwater, instead of extracting water intended for nearby communities.
Bingcang addressed concerns that the project, which is expected to attract technology and manufacturing investments, particularly data centers, could consume limited community water resources.
“Hindi po. In fact, naaral na rin namin po ‘yan na meron na kaming proposed na project dyan,” Bingcang said, explaining that the BCDA has proposed a water management system that will collect and store rainwater through impounding technology.
He said large volumes of rainwater during the rainy season can be captured and stored for industrial use rather than allowing it to flow back to the sea.
“Ang target namin dyan ay surface water harvesting. Ang ibig sabihin niyan, lalo na po ngayon, papasok na ang rainy season, huge amount of volume of water, rainwater, dumadapo po dyan. And then, kung left on top, ay babalik sa dagat,” Bingcang explained.
The BCDA chief said the initial design for the water system could support the projected needs of industries in the area, with an estimated consumption of around 65 to 90 million liters per day. He added that the capacity could be increased from the initial 120 million liters per day design to as much as 300 million liters per day through advanced technology.
“Hindi ito groundwater extraction, ha. Kundi ito yung technology na gusto namin i-propose,” Bingcang emphasized.
He also assured that any excess water generated from the system could potentially be shared with surrounding communities, in line with BCDA’s goal of promoting inclusive development.
“So pwede, pwedeng-pwede natin i-share itong magandang technology at mapakinabangan din nila,” he said.
Bingcang added that the Pax Silica project is not solely focused on attracting data centers but aims to bring in manufacturing companies and create high-quality employment opportunities in New Clark City.
