The Philippines is set to establish a major artificial intelligence and industrial centre within New Clark City. This 4,000-acre development in Tarlac follows the country’s formal entry into the Pax Silica Declaration. Led by the United States, this initiative focuses on creating a secure and resilient supply chain for semiconductors, critical minerals and advanced manufacturing. The project aligns with the National AI Strategy Roadmap under the Marcos administration to turn the Philippines into a regional technology leader.

Finance Secretary Frederick Go stated that the move ensures local mineral resources and strategic locations are used to build future industries rather than remaining on the global margins. To support the effort, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has designated a specific area for the Pax Silica Coordination Office. This site will act as a meeting point for research institutions, tech companies and government bodies to build a local AI ecosystem.

Located on the Luzon Economic Corridor, the office is known as a “Golden Node.” This model represents a new type of investment hub designed specifically for AI-native growth. US Undersecretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg noted that the node focuses on manufacturing ecosystems of the next century rather than traditional factories. He added that the system would be integrated into a network of trusted nations to define global supply chain resilience.

The BCDA is offering a two-year rent-free grace period for the site as an in-kind contribution to the partnership. Lease rates starting from the third year will be settled in a later agreement. BCDA President Joshua M. Bingcang said the project positions New Clark City as a vital link in the global supply chain. He explained that the development will create better job opportunities for Filipinos and help local businesses join the global innovation economy. New Clark City is already being built as a smart and disaster-resilient metropolis, and this new hub strengthens its role as a competitive base for advanced manufacturing.

“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,” Finance Secretary Frederick Go said in a statement.

“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, anchored in the rule of law, and integrated into a network of trusted nations that will define global supply chain resilience for decades to come,” US Undersecretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg said in a separate statement.

“By establishing this Golden Node, we stand to position New Clark City as a vital link in the global supply chain for advanced technologies and next-generation manufacturing. 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 across the globe,” Joshua M. Bingcang said.