Agri workers’ group warn Pax Silica could worsen land, labor issues

An aerial view captures the proposed 1,620-hectare Pax Silica site at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, on Sunday, July 27, 2026. The Philippine government has designated the area as a major hub for artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing under Pax Silica, a US-led global coalition aimed at securing supply chains for critical minerals, semiconductors, energy, and logistics. —Inquirer photo/Grig C. Montegrande

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Philippines — An agricultural workers’ group on Sunday (July 26) opposed the country’s participation in the US-led Pax Silica initiative, warning that its planned economic security zone in Central Luzon could worsen land displacement, suppress wages, and cause environmental degradation.

The Unyon ng mga Manggagawa sa Agrikultura (UMA) said the proposed economic security zone under Pax Silica would accelerate land conversion in Central Luzon while threatening food security and exposing nearby communities to environmental risks.

The group’s statement came ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address on Monday.

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