Positioning the Philippines as a central global hub for semiconductors and artificial intelligence, multisectoral groups linked the US-led Pax Silica project to the broader “manifestations of imperialism,” particularly through foreign economic, political, and social influence over the country.
League of the Filipino Students (LFS) – Davao Coordinator Heroine Marish Fernandez underscored how deeply imperialism has embedded itself in various forms of foreign control, allowing stronger nations and corporations to advance their interests at others’ expense.
“But are we [the Philippines] really free? No, of course… Kasi nakikita natin everywhere ang manifestations of imperialism.”
She further explained that this influence transcends military power, as those with greater economic and political leverage can dictate the direction of smaller nations.
She also argued that the effects of Pax Silica should therefore be examined not only “through hard science and statistics but also through the humanities and social sciences lens,” where the loss of culture, community, and self-sustaining livelihoods can be considered.
She added that the threat posed by data hubs is not limited to Pampanga, where the hub will be located, but that data centers are already deeply embedded here in Davao City.
“Mayroon na tayong tatlong data centers dito sa Davao. Yes, we have data centers dito sa Pilipinas na pinagmamay-arian ng DITO, PLDT, at STT GDC (ST Telemedia Global Data Centres).”
Institute for Nationalist Studies researcher Lance Patrick L. Vicher raised that Pax Silica’s projected expansion extends beyond technological progress, tying national development to foreign interests at the expense of Filipino communities.
“Pasan-pasan ng taong-bayan ‘yung ipapapasok na Pax Silica. Inagaw na ‘yung lupa, tubig, at kuryente sa mga mamamayan, mga IPs, Aetas, at marginalized sectors… tayo pa ang sasalo sa buwis habang libreng nag-ooperate at walang binabayarang tax ang mga dayuhang korporasyon,” Vicher said.
Ateneo Public Interest and Legal Advocacy (APILA) volunteer Ron Edward Dulhao believed that determining who ultimately benefits from Pax Silica must remain the central question.
Para kanino ba? There is already an existing capability for us to mine our minerals, our existing capabilities para sa ating mga indigenous communities na makipag-collaborate; why do we even need it in the first place?” he asked.
Communities, resources at risk
The concerns over Pax Silica also extend to the communities and livelihoods that could be affected by technology-driven development.
Fernandez highlighted that displacing a community goes far more than the loss of physical land but also the destruction of its native identity, culture, and sense of home.
“Kapag dini-displace mo ang isang community, hindi lang tao ’yung maaalis—’yung community, ’yung identity. Kasi… doon sila binuo eh, ‘di ba? So, nandoon kalakip ‘yung kultura nila, ‘yung kanilang pamamalakad,” she explained.
Addressing sectoral threats, Metsa Foundation advocate April Comiling cautioned that the rise of Pax Silica will come at the expense of the environment and ordinary workers, despite claims that it will bring progress.
“Ano ang silbi ng pagiging technologically advanced kung ang komunidad ay mawawalan ng kabuhayan? Ano din ang silbi ng investment kung ang environmental cost naman ay pinapasa sa ordinaryong mamamayan?”
Amid concerns over the hub’s environmental resource demands, the Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) Environmental Science Department Chair, Dr. Doris Montecastro, re-emphasized the core framework for project evaluation, warning that economic viability alone cannot justify ecological and social costs.
“So any project, of course, it’s an economic project. And our framework for sustainable development is that it must not impact the environment or the social structures,” Dr. Montecastro said.
The forum “Yuta ug Bahandi, Depensahan! Pax Silica, Batukan!” was organized by APILA on August 29 at F213 Multipurpose Room, Ateneo de Davao University.