BUSINESS

Pax Silica seen redrawing Northern Luzon’s investment map

Toby Magsaysay · Aug 19, 2026, 10:59 PM

THE New Clark City in Tarlac will host an industrial hub centered on AI innovation and investments on a 1,618-hectare property. This development comes as the Philippines formally joins the Pax Silica Declaration, a United States-led initiative that will build a secure, resilient, and innovation-driven silicon supply chain covering critical minerals, semiconductors, AI, and advanced manufacturing. — Philippine News Agency

The Philippines’ inclusion in the proposed “Pax Silica” framework could drive a new wave of technology investments into Northern Luzon, boosting demand for industrial land and other property segments and strengthening Clark’s position as an emerging investment hub.

Property consultancy CBRE said Wednesday the initiative could support investments in advanced semiconductor assembly, hyperscale data centers, aerospace, logistics and renewable energy, with a 1,618-hectare master-planned area in Sacobia, New Clark City being positioned for industrial and high-technology developments.

Multinationals express interest

More than 50 multinational technology companies have submitted expressions of interest, CBRE said, with lease negotiations projected to begin in late 2026.

If realized, the investments could deepen the Philippines’ participation in global technology supply chains and accelerate the development of an industrial corridor north of Metro Manila.

CBRE expects the more significant impact on property demand to emerge between 2028 and 2030 as sites are prepared and supporting infrastructure comes online.

Investor expectations, however, are already showing up in property prices.

“Property land values in Bulacan and Pampanga have appreciated by 15 percent to 16 percent over the past six months, driven by infrastructure development expectations and industrial spillover,” said CBRE Head of Industrials and Logistics, Michael Glindoro.

Property impact

The potential property impact would extend beyond industrial estates and logistics facilities.

CBRE said technology companies setting up operations in Clark and surrounding areas would require additional office space for administrative and support functions, providing another source of demand for Clark’s commercial property market.

The arrival of multinational companies, executives, engineers and project teams could also lift demand for serviced apartments, hotels and mid- to high-end residential developments.

For the broader Philippine economy, CBRE said the investments could shift more growth north of Metro Manila and deepen the country’s foothold in semiconductors and digital infrastructure.

Converting investor interest into actual investments

But converting investor interest into actual investments will depend partly on the Philippines’ ability to address infrastructure and other constraints.

CBRE said projects such as the North-South Commuter Railway and New Manila International Airport will be critical to improving connectivity, while high power costs and a shortage of specialized engineering talent remain key hurdles.