Science group urges govt to study Pax Silica before commitment

MANILA, Philippines - The government has been urged to study the terms of Pax Silica, an agreement which would build supply chains for artificial intelligence, through a scientific study before it can set a commitment, according to a group. In a statement, Science Communicators Philippines (SciCommPH) said it recognized the potential of Pax Silica to bring much-needed advanced manufacturing, semiconductor development, artificial intelligence, and international scientific cooperation opportunities into the country.'If properly planned and governed, the proposed Pax Silica industrial hub in New Clark City stands to generate quality jobs, strengthen Philippine research and industry, retain Filipino scientific and engineering talent, and help the country move beyond exporting raw materials and performing lower-value work,'' the group said. However, the group said that while it was not opposed to technology, industrialization, or international cooperation, they 'cannot endorse Pax Silica while its essential terms remain undisclosed.' 'Our position and recommendation for the country is unequivocal: No terms, no commitment,' it said. While the project is being presented as a 'major economic opportunity, with government estimates of as much as US$70 billion in investment and up to 190,000 direct jobs,' these projections, the group said, were continually being touted without supporting data. 'But a project of this scale cannot be judged on promises alone. The final agreement, confirmed investors, detailed site plan, environmental studies, water and energy plans, community-impact assessments, and many of the project's legal and financial terms have not been made public - if these have been drafted or even considered at all,' the group said. The group has called on the Philippine Government to undertake an independent, science-based assessment of ot only individual facilities but also the combined effects of manufacturing, mineral processing, data centers, power facilities, water systems, roads, ports, housing, land conversion, waste disposal, and related infrastructure.'This assessment must examine the full life cycle of the materials and technologies involved, from mineral extraction and transport to manufacturing, export, use, recycling, and disposal,' they said. They said that sientific assessment must shape the agreement; it cannot be treated as post-agreement paperwork. 'General assurances are not enough,' the group said. SciComm PH is the country's foremost organization committed to developing science-based discourse across disciplines and media platforms. Its members are composed of scientists, journalists, and academicians.