Palace Press Officer, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro maintained that the site on which the Pax Silica technology hub will rise will be on a buildable zone, a lot which has long been acquired and operated by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and which will not affect farm lands.

This was her reaction following Senator Imee Marcos’ expressed concerns that the Pax Silica hub may displace farmers and members of the Aeta community.

Buildable areas allocated since 2019

“Since 2019, or during the 2019 SEA Games, there have been what we call buildable areas. This has been allocated since 2019. So, in this area there should be no more farmers because it has already been approved as buildable zones. And there are still 6,000 hectares left reserved for open green spaces, forest reserves, and designated zones for upland farming,” explained Castro.

She said the total buildable zones are at around 3,500 hectares, where the Pax Silica technology hub might be placed.

“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 on Monday.

Further, Marcos called on BCDA to first explain to residents the true impact of the project before any measurement or land acquisition takes place.

She 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, Marcos said.

The lawmaker also requested an investigation into complaints by farmers who were allegedly being told to stop planting and are experiencing intimidation.

Reacting to this, BCDA, in a statement, said they welcome the Senate’s oversight and stand ready to provide the facts needed for a fair and transparent discussion.

“We hear the concerns raised by Senator Imee Marcos, our farmers, and our local communities. This week, BCDA will meet again with Capas Mayor Roseller “Boots” Rodriguez, local government units, and other stakeholders to listen, engage, and discuss the path forward together,” the BCDA statement said.

Further, the BCDA maintained that as New Clark City grows, so too will opportunities for farmers and Aeta communities around it.

“BCDA has designated areas within New Clark City for modern agriculture, including a 50-hectare agricultural zone, the 10-hectare Aeta Ethnobotanical Center launched last year to empower 300 Aeta farmers from Capas and Bamban and designed to expand to 50 hectares, and a hundred more hectares for future agricultural development. Together, these efforts will expand employment and strengthen sustainable livelihoods for farmers and Ayta communities in New Clark City,” the BCDA further said.