CAPAS, TARLAC | September 5, 2026

Opposition to the proposed Pax Silica-linked industrial and technology development in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac is gaining momentum as more organizations call for the government to reevaluate the project over concerns involving ancestral land, agriculture, the environment and local consultation.

A coalition representing at least 70 organizations and around 200 individuals gathered on August 31 to oppose the United States-led Pax Silica initiative and call for a reassessment of the proposed Economic Security Zone connected to the development. The coalition includes Indigenous peoples, farmers, environmental advocates, faith-based groups, students and other civil society organizations.

New Coalition Formed Against Pax Silica

The recently formed Network Opposed to Pax Silica, or “NO to Pax Silica,” said it intends to broaden public scrutiny of the initiative and raise concerns from communities that could potentially be affected.

Among the issues raised by groups are the possible impact on ancestral domains, agricultural land, water resources, livelihoods and the environment, as well as questions about the long-term benefits of the project for local communities.

Resistance to the proposed development has also previously come from Aeta communities in Capas.

Aeta leaders from Sitio Sapang Kawayan have publicly called for the cancellation of the project over fears that development could affect ancestral lands, farms and community livelihoods.

Farmers and Indigenous residents have also supported a petition opposing the project, citing concerns about displacement, water resources and agricultural production.

Capas LGU Seeks Meaningful Consultation

Concerns are not limited to advocacy groups.

Capas Mayor Roseller Rodriguez earlier said the municipal government would not support or oppose the project until meaningful public consultation is conducted and officials receive clearer information about its scope and possible impacts.

Rodriguez also told a Senate hearing that the local government had not initially been adequately consulted regarding the proposed development.

Government Defends Project, Clarifies Scope

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has pushed back against several claims surrounding the proposal.

BCDA says the planned development covers only a portion of New Clark City and is envisioned as an advanced manufacturing and technology ecosystem focused on industries such as semiconductors and AI-related equipment manufacturing.

The agency has also clarified that the proposed Clark Advanced Manufacturing Park is not intended to host an AI data center, contrary to some earlier descriptions circulating publicly.

BCDA has further said that the development would not draw from existing community water supplies and that environmental and social safeguards would form part of the planning process.

Malacañang has likewise urged critics and petition signatories to consider the potential economic benefits of the project, including investment, technology development and employment opportunities.

Key Approvals Still Not Finalized

The project remains a developing proposal, with several regulatory and planning matters still unresolved.

The Department of Agrarian Reform said on September 3 that it had not yet received any land conversion applications connected to the proposed Pax Silica development, indicating that major regulatory steps would still have to be completed before implementation involving agricultural land could move forward.

Meanwhile, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples has begun holding dialogues with Aeta communities in Capas regarding concerns over homes, livelihoods and ancestral domain claims.

Debate Likely to Continue

The growing opposition highlights an increasingly complex debate surrounding development in New Clark City.

Supporters see the initiative as an opportunity to attract advanced manufacturing investments, strengthen semiconductor supply chains and create new jobs.

Critics, however, are demanding stronger guarantees that economic development will not come at the expense of local communities, Indigenous rights, agricultural lands or the environment.

With consultations, census validation and regulatory reviews still ongoing, the full scope and final implementation of the project remain subject to further government decisions.

Everything Tarlac will continue monitoring official announcements, community consultations and developments involving the proposed Pax Silica and Clark Advanced Manufacturing Park projects.