THE Philippines is seeking to break ground for its artificial intelligence (AI)-native industrial hub in two years, Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said.
“That is to be done in phases. Throughout the first 2 years, we’ll have the opportunity to at the very least break ground the primary phase of development,” BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang said in a news briefing on Friday.
Earlier this week, the BCDA announced that it has allocated 4,000 acres (about 1,618 hectares) inside Latest Clark City in Tarlac to construct an AI-native industrial hub to support the event of an AI supply chain ecosystem here.
The power will host the Pax Silica Coordination Office for technology firms, research institutions, and government agencies. The positioning can be designated as a “Golden Node,” or a brand new model for AI-native investment acceleration hubs.
“This can be a magnet for all other industries to come back. So, it would be a haven for industrial development,” Mr. Bingcang said.
He said the hub won’t be exclusive to American locators.
Trade Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo told reporters that the event will advance the Philippines’ role in the worldwide AI supply chain ecosystem.
“There are countries and specific firms in AI-tech manufacturing, in transition energy, and in infrastructure that reached out to specific the importance of Pax Silica to their investment plans,” he said, citing the interest of 5 firms from East Asia and America.
Mr. Bingcang noted that the investors will construct the relevant infrastructure, roads, and utilities for the AI-native hub, subject to approval by the BCDA.
Under the BCDA’s proposal to the US government, the agency would grant a two-year grace period on lease payments for the property, serving as an unconditional in-kind contribution to support the initiative.
By the third yr of the pact, the annual lease rate can be covered in a separate agreement.
Upon expiration of the initial lease period, the lease can be renewable upon the mutual written consent of the Philippine and US governments, on such terms as could also be agreed at the moment.
The property can be reverted back to the Philippine government upon termination or expiration of the lease.
Each countries have yet agree on the prices related to the development, outfitting, operation, maintenance, and staffing; in addition to the precise location, boundaries, and legal description of the property.
The power’s locators can be granted fiscal and non-fiscal incentives under Republic Act (RA) No. 12066 or the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy; RA 7916 or the Special Economic Zone Act, and RA 7227 or the BCDA Charter.
“Further, it is known that acceptance of this offer by america, specifically on relevant provisions related to in-kind contribution (i.e. grace period on lease), shall be effected in accordance with the laws and regulations of america, including 22 US Code § 2697 and applicable provisions of the Foreign Affairs Manual,” the BCDA said in its proposal.
The Tarlac office will function as a “principal bilateral facility” for the coordination of critical mineral supply chain security initiatives between the Philippines and the US; facilitation of a joint strategic industrial planning and infrastructure development inside the Luzon Economic Corridor; and coordination of allied investment and personal capital mobilization for economic security projects.
It can also support workforce development, technology transfer, and capacity-building activities aligned with bilateral economic security objectives; and other activities.
The hub aligns with the Philippines’ formal entry into the Washington-led Pax Silica initiative, which seeks to link the worldwide supply chain on AI, semiconductors, critical minerals, and advanced manufacturing. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz