NCCP Statement on the Establishment of Pax Silica
“They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. ‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when there is no peace.” – Jeremiah 6:14 NIV
Development in science and technology has improved people’s lives in many ways and brings benefits in the fields of health and medicine, education, transportation, among others. Technological progress used for the benefit of the most can be a sign of the realm of our Creator God. As people of faith, we are called to examine deeper the societal and environmental implications of the global technological race in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and warfare using the lens of justice.
Today, we are witnessing the AI’s rapid expansion in the hands of powerful nations and multinational corporations in our very land; not in the name of development and betterment of lives, but of profit and expansion of empires. In this light, the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) joins the voice of the Filipino people in vehemently rejecting the establishment of Pax Silica, a US-led initiative and economic security framework that aims to create a global supply chain for AI and the semi-conductor industry. This is a project being aggressively pushed, not for the benefit of the Filipino people, but to advance and preserve the United States’ economic and technological dominance and military power.
As followers of Christ, we are reminded that the message “the poor has good news brought to them” (Matthew 11:5) is the climax of Jesus’ description of the messianic age. We, therefore, should always ask: “Who benefits? Who pays the price? And how about the ‘little ones’?”
While the government highlights the gains, advantages, and opportunities that Pax Silica is expected to bring, we should not ignore the scale of the potential negative impacts and dangers it poses to God’s people and the whole of Creation. In joining the Pax Silica, the US and the Philippine governments aim to build a new industrial hub that will occupy 1,620 hectares of land currently tilled by Filipino farmers and Indigenous Aeta communities in Tarlac. The new industrial hub that is projected to be built is also within the framework of the Luzon Economic Corridor, an economic and manufacturing hub across Luzon, that has already prompted displacement threats in rural communities.
The new industrial hub, with the economic framework design of the Pax Silica, will demand massive amounts of electricity and water. It will require a massive 5 gigawatts[1] of electricity, potentially placing additional pressure on an already fragile power supply and driving up electricity costs for Filipino consumers. It is also expected to consume approximately 130[2] million liters of water every day. This enormous demand of water will compete with the needs of agricultural communities. Such consumption could further aggravate water scarcity in a region already vulnerable to drought.
Ironically, “pax” means peace; but the implications of Pax Silica to the Filipino people and environment is a drastic contrast to the peace promised by God. As the Good Shepherd correctly pointed out, “a thief will come to steal, kill, and destroy” (John 10:10).
The God of justice in the Bible has promised people a better future—a place where they can build their homes, till the land, plant their crops, and enjoy the fruits of their labor (Isaiah 65). He desires his people to live in a self-reliant and sustainable society where they can enjoy freedom and equality.
Our moral conviction is a call for discernment, guided by justice and vision for an abundant life. Thus, the National Council of Churches in the Philippines calls on people in government to reassess their position and loyalty, show their patriotism, and defend the land and the Filipino people against the subjugation brought about by the empire-serving alliance, Pax Silica.
We also call on the Filipino people to be critical, alert, and vigilant against falsehood, manipulation, and schemes, as we are reminded by Scripture in 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV): “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
We also call on our churches to be a light against the darkness and forces of evil that deceive people. Let our churches be open and become venues for learning. Let our pulpits be used to proclaim the truth and the good news to the poor.
Let us be united in prayer and action against Pax Silica. #
Signed and issued on this day, 14th of August 2026.
The Most Rev. Brent Harry W. Alawas
Chairperson
Bishop Joseph G. Agpaoa
Vice Chairperson for Men
Ms. Jennifer Ferariza-Meneses
Vice-Chairperson for Women
Rev. Jon Dave A. Angeles
Vice Chairperson for Youth
Rev. Leonardo R. Morada
Corporate Treasurer
Ms. Minnie Anne Mata-Calub
General Secretary
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[1] https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2270564/makabayan-warns-pax-silicas-subic-clark-plan-could-hike-power-costs
[2] https://business.inquirer.net/604490/pax-silicas-water-gamble-in-drought-prone-central-luzon
