Pax Silica hit by Imee: How about our farmers?
The lawmaker also requested an investigation into complaints by farmers who were allegedly being told to stop planting and are experiencing intimidation.
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The lawmaker also requested an investigation into complaints by farmers who were allegedly being told to stop planting and are experiencing intimidation.
Senator Imee Marcos on Sunday took a swipe at the ambitious technology hub Pax Silica, set to be established at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, saying it will put several farmers and farmlands in peril.
“The promise of billions of dollars in investment and jobs is not enough if the return is the livelihood of our farmers and indigenous brothers. Before any investment, we must first ensure that people who depend on the land for their livelihood are not aggrieved,” said Senator Marcos in a statement.
Further, Marcos called on the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to first explain to residents the true impact of the project before any measurement or land acquisition takes place.
Marcos quoted reports that up to 1,600 hectares will be affected, including land cultivated by 92 farmers and indigenous Aeta people, even without public consultation.
The lawmaker also requested an investigation into complaints by farmers who were allegedly being told to stop planting and are experiencing intimidation.
“The livelihood of farmers cannot be taken away just to facilitate land conversion. Those who feed the people should not lose their land without being given adequate explanation and an opportunity to be heard,” Marcos said.
She also emphasized that under the Department of Agrarian Reform Administrative Order No. 1, Series of 2002, any land use conversion must be in accordance with the law.
Marcos also warned that the project will require a huge supply of water and electricity for the processing of rare earth and critical minerals.
“If water is already scarce for farmers and there are brownouts every week, where will the huge supply of water and electricity for Pax Silica be obtained? Consultation first before construction,” he concluded.
Last week, BCDA president and CEO, Engr. Joshua Bingcang maintained that they have conducted initial meetings with LGUs and government agencies on New Clark City’s Development Plan, including the proposed Pax Silica Initiative.
“These consultations are ongoing, and we will continue to work closely with these stakeholders as the project progresses. At present, BCDA is undertaking ground assessment activities in the area. These activities are being carried out to ensure that planning and decision-making are based on accurate assessment on the ground and are conducted in a responsible and orderly manner,” according to Bingcang.
Malacañang Palace, on the other hand, said the United States-led Pax Silica Initiative is not a done deal yet, and provisions on the said project might change as well, as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will not allow residents to be badly hit and affected for the erection of the technology hub.
The construction of the whole Pax Silica will take 10 to 15 years, with an initial groundbreaking planned in the first quarter of 2028, according to Bingcang.
