Defense chief on Pax Silica water supply issue: There is nothing to fear 

Chrislyne Faith Castillo

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. refutes claims that the proposed Pax Silica project would lead to water shortages, stressing that the country’s greater concern should be the improper use and management of water resources rather than the development itself.

Responding to questions over the project’s anticipated water demand, Teodoro said industrial investments should not automatically be viewed as a threat to the nation’s water supply.

“Walang pangamba. Ang ipangamba natin is the improper use of water,” Defense Sec. Teodoro told reporters during an interview at Camp Aguinaldo on July 20.

The defense chief said water-intensive industries are required to secure dependable and sustainable water sources before operations begin, noting that adequate water infrastructure is already considered in the planning of industrial estates.

“Totoo naman ‘yun. Totoo talaga in any manufacturing concern, pero may sources of water naman. In any properly planned industrial estate, nandun na ‘yung source of water,” he said.

He likewise emphasized that no major industrial project can proceed without satisfying environmental requirements, particularly those ensuring the long-term sustainability of water resources.

“The Department of Environment and Natural Resources or anybody will not approve any project without water system sustainability,” he explained.

Teodoro also urged the public to direct greater attention to more pressing national concerns, particularly the continued operation of illegal Chinese-run factories, instead of prematurely concluding that the proposed project would compromise the country’s water supply.

The remarks came amid concerns that the Philippines-U.S. Pax Silica initiative could increase pressure on local water resources as it aims to support semiconductor manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and other advanced technology industries.

The proposed initiative includes the development of a 4,000-acre or approximately 1,620-hectare Economic Security Zone in New Clark City, Tarlac, envisioned as a hub for AI-driven and advanced manufacturing industries.