DOST chief: No talk of data center in Clark under Pax Silica initiative

DAVAO CITY — Science Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. clarified on Thursday that discussions about the US-led Pax Silica program in the country does not include the setup of data centers in the New Clark City in Tarlac.

“We should understand that this Pax Silica program of the United States has many components. It has a component that manufacture chips and semiconductors that will be used later on in the development of data centers or artificial intelligence hubs. (But) it is not a data center,” Solidum told reporters here.

“There will be no data center to be put up there,” he pointed out.

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READ: Pax Silica brings promise – but at what cost?

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Instead, what is being planned in New Clark City is the establishment of advanced manufacturing centers for chips and semiconductors, he said.

According to Solidum, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, which manages the property that will host the project, has billed it as the Clark Advanced Manufacturing Park “because the focus there is the production of AI chips and other accessories related to the operation of a data center.”

“Essentially it is a manufacturing center and all manufacturing centers in the Philippines need to conforme to regulatory standards defined by agencies like the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources),” he added. 

Solidum was here for the Regional Science, Technology  and Innovation Week (RSTW) 2026 Mindanao leg.

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RSTW 2026 is the platform of the Department of Science and Technology for showcasing and promoting the application of science, technology and innovation to government agencies, students, researchers, innovators, startups and industry for regional and national development.

The event features 48 exhibitors and is open to the public. It  will run until Saturday, Oct. 17.