Pax Silica not sustainable, says Miss Philippines Earth Rina delos Santos

Reigning Miss Philippines Earth Rina Angela delos Santos has joined the chorus of people opposing the construction of a Pax Silica facilities in the country, citing her role as an environmental advocate.

“As your Miss Philippines Earth and as an environmental advocate, I am against Pax Silica. I understand that we want to progress through accepting or embracing innovations, technology, Al [artificial intelligence], and, building data centers here in the Philippines,” she prefaced her statement in a mix of English and Filipino.

Delos Santos acknowledged Pax Silica’s economic benefit to the country, attracting foreign investments that could generate employment for Filipinos. “But will it be sustainable especially in the long run? I don’t believe so,” she said.

Article continues after this advertisement

Pax Silica is a US-led initiative launched to secure a global supply chain for advanced technology, including semiconductors, AI infrastructures meant to counter China’s dominance in these fields.

FEATURED STORIES

ENTERTAINMENT

ENTERTAINMENT

ENTERTAINMENT

The Philippines recently joined the coalition as a member to host a massive high-tech project, with no less than President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. endorsing it. While actual construction of the massive tech hubs won’t be until 2028, negotiations are already being done by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority to have the formal framework agreement with the United States ready for signing by November 2026.

The initiative, however, is being opposed by various sections, and some celebrities have joined calls to oppose it, among them BINI’s Mikha Lim and Brent Manalo, whose hometown in Tarlac would be directly affected by Pax Silica.

READ: Brent Manalo speaks out against proposed Pax Silica in Tarlac

In particular, critics are zeroing in on its harmful impact on the environment and the people. Communities in the proposed Pax Silica site in Tarlac have also been vocal about their fear of displacement, and the environmental toll of such a massive undertaking.

Article continues after this advertisement

But the government has allayed such fears, claiming that safeguards will be put in place to address the environmental concerns of operating the facilities. 

“I’ve always believed that new progress, or sustainable progress shouldn’t compromise the integrity, the health and well-being of our environment, also, our people,” delos Santos said, adding that the project will slowly deplete natural resources, including minerals and water.

Article continues after this advertisement

“I hope that everyone will understand that no matter how progressive we become… if in the long run the environment will suffer and the health and well-being of the people will be compromised, who will get to enjoy the benefits, if us, people, and the environment slowly suffers?” delos Santos further said.

The beauty queen from Ballesteros, Cagayan, won the national title at a competition held in Bukidnon in June. As Miss Philippines Earth, she is expected to promote environmental awareness and push for projects that encourage sustainability.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

Delos Santos will represent the country at the 26th Miss Earth pageant later this year, and try to score the Philippines’ fifth victory in the international competition. /edv