The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-North Luzon (PCCI-NL) has announced its support in principle for the development of the Pax Silica project, emphasizing that large-scale industrial initiatives must align with rigorous standards of governance and regional benefit.
“We speak clearly: PCCI-NL supports the development of Pax Silica in principle,” the regional business organization said in a statement.
Its backing comes at the heels of growing endorsements by business chambers in the region. The Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry has also issued its support statement while the Clark Investors and Locators Association is also set to issue a similar stance.
PCCI-NL said it acknowledges the mounting public discussion surrounding the project, noting active calls from various communities, organizations, and business sectors for greater clarity regarding its long-term impacts.
According to PCCI-NL, the organization’s endorsement is rooted in the belief that an undertaking of this magnitude represents a generational opportunity for North Luzon and the wider Philippine economy, provided it is managed responsibly.
Call for High Standards and Governance
PCCI-NL stressed that its position is not dismissive of public concerns. Instead, the chamber underscored that the project must be pursued under strict frameworks of transparency, environmental stewardship, and direct Filipino participation.
“When implemented properly, the project can attract substantial domestic and foreign direct investment, expand opportunities for local suppliers and service providers, accelerate industrial development, generate quality employment, promote technology transfer, strengthen critical-mineral and semiconductor supply chains, and create shared prosperity across our region,” the chamber stated.
Strategic Advantages of North Luzon
Highlighting the region’s economic readiness, PCCI-NL pointed out that North Luzon possesses a strong foundation to support a globally competitive industrial corridor.
Among the regional strengths cited are: Access to essential raw materials and mineral resources; strategic integration with domestic ports, airports, and major expressway networks; established industrial zones backed by reliable utilities and growing digital infrastructure; robust government support geared toward investment promotion; and a deep pool of skilled and trainable Filipino workers.
The business group cautioned, however, that these strategic advantages must serve a larger purpose beyond offering convenience to international investors.
“They must make North Luzon a platform for Filipino industrial transformation,” PCCI-NL added, reaffirming that its backing of Pax Silica is fundamentally a commitment to responsible and inclusive development.
In its principled endorsement, the PCCI-NL proposed the following core safeguards in the areas of Governance and Accountability; Filipino Labor and Skills; Filipino Supply Chains; Environmental and Community Stewardship; Philippine Value Retention; and Financial Transparency.
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