Business leader Renato G. Romero said the mention of the Pax Silica initiative in the fifth State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is a strong signal that the country is serious about positioning itself as a hub for advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and other high-value industries.
Romero described the President’s SONA as “comprehensive and forward-looking.”
“He touched on almost all the major issues confronting the nation from the economy, infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare, digital transformation, and peace and order, to attracting foreign investments,” Romero said.
As someone who has spent decades in the business community promoting the Philippines as an investment destination, Romero said he was pleased that the project in New Clark City was mentioned in the President’s speech.
“These are the kinds of investments that can create quality jobs and make our country more globally competitive,” he said.
He noted that Pax Silica, as part of the Luzon Economic Corridor, is expected to deliver quality jobs while strengthening the country’s industrial capacity and global competitiveness.
Romero added that he was also inspired by the President’s statement: “We will launch our rockets into space.”
“Beyond its symbolic value, it reflects a vision of a Philippines that aspires not only to participate in the global economy but also to lead in science, technology, and innovation,” he said.
He said the administration’s continued commitment to infrastructure, investment promotion, and industrialization provides a solid foundation for growth. However, he stressed that equal attention must go to MSMEs, which account for more than 99% of businesses and remain the country’s largest source of employment.
For Romero, the next critical step is improving national competitiveness. He urged faster reforms to ease doing business, reduce red tape, ensure affordable and reliable energy, strengthen food security, and build a more competitive industrial base to keep pace with ASEAN neighbors and attract long-term investments.
“Ultimately, the success of this SONA will not be measured by the strength of the speech but by the speed and consistency of its implementation,” Romero said. “The private sector is ready to do its part. We hope government continues to work closely with business, LGUs, and other stakeholders to turn these commitments into tangible results for every Filipino.”
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