New Clark City eyed as PH’s AI industrial hub

CLARK FREEPORT, Philippines — A 4,000-acre property within New Clark City is being positioned as a future industrial hub for artificial intelligence (AI), following the Philippines’ entry into a United States-led initiative aimed at strengthening global technology supply chains.

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said the site will host a “Pax Silica Coordination Office,” envisioned as a convergence point for technology firms, research institutions and government agencies working on AI, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing.

The development comes as the Philippines formally joins the Pax Silica Declaration, a multilateral effort to build a secure and resilient silicon supply chain covering critical minerals and emerging technologies.

Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go said the country’s participation signals a shift toward a more active role in global innovation ecosystems.

“By joining Pax Silica, the Philippines is ensuring that our mineral resources and strategic location are not simply supporting global industries from the margins, but are actively harnessed to build the industries of the future,” Go said in a statement.

The coordination office, located within the Luzon Economic Corridor, will serve as the first “Golden Node” under the initiative — a model described by U.S. officials as an AI-native investment hub designed to support next-generation manufacturing.

U.S. Undersecretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg said the concept moves beyond traditional industrial zones.

“The Golden Node is not about recreating the factories of the last century. It is about building the manufacturing ecosystems of the next century — AI-native from day one,” Helberg said.

BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang said the project could position New Clark City as a strategic link in global supply chains for advanced technologies.

“On the ground, this will translate into more quality job opportunities for Filipinos and greater participation of local enterprises in the growing innovation-driven economy,” he said.

To support the initiative, BCDA said it will grant a two-year grace period on lease payments for the site, treating it as an in-kind contribution to bilateral economic cooperation. Lease terms beyond the third year will be set under a separate agreement.

New Clark City, located in Tarlac, is being developed as a smart, disaster-resilient and environmentally sustainable urban center.

The BCDA said efforts are underway to attract technology-driven industries through improved digital infrastructure and investment incentives.

The initiative aligns with the government’s National AI Strategy Roadmap, which aims to position the Philippines as a regional hub for artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.