TARLAKENYO — The strategic economic development of Tarlac took center stage at Malacañang Palace on Wednesday, July 22, as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the rapid progress of the US-led Pax Silica initiative and the Luzon Economic Corridor during a high-level courtesy call.
The discussion highlighted the key role of New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, which has been designated as the site for a massive 1,620-hectare Economic Security Zone designed to house an artificial intelligence, semiconductor, and advanced manufacturing hub under the Pax Silica alliance.
Speaking to reporters following the bilateral meeting, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez emphasized that President Marcos expressed satisfaction with the swift momentum behind the flagship economic projects in Central Luzon.
“Pax Silica and the Luzon Economic Corridor are the main points that President Marcos has expressed. He’s very pleased that it’s moving quickly and that will definitely help the Philippine economy and our aspiration to have the kind of economic prosperity that we’ve been looking for because it spells economic security for us,” Romualdez said.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 59th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Related Summits in Manila.
Under the Pax Silica framework — a 35-nation coalition focused on securing supply chains for critical minerals, microchips, and emerging technologies — the planned industrial zone in Capas, Tarlac, is positioned to become a premier destination for high-tech investments, creating thousands of high-value local jobs and driving industrialization across the province.
The initiative directly links the Capas hub to the broader Luzon Economic Corridor, connecting Tarlac to Subic Bay, Clark, and Manila to facilitate seamless logistics, port infrastructure, and clean energy development.
National and local authorities maintain that the development of the Capas industrial zone will strictly adhere to environmental standards while prioritizing water security and agricultural livelihoods for host communities in Tarlac, ensuring that global technology investments align with local sustainability and economic growth.
