The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) sees the United States Pax Silica initiative as means of boosting economic growth by generating increased revenues in new investments, and creating thousands of employment opportunities through expanded port operations.
According to SBMA chairman and administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño, the designation of the Port of Subic as the Philippines’ preferred maritime gateway for Pax Silica marks a significant milestone in positioning the country as a strategic hub for artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductor manufacturing and critical mineral supply chains.
While concrete investment commitments are still at a planning stage that have yet to be finalized, Aliño disclosed that the freeport is preparing for increased economic activity driven by the US-backed initiative.
“Our mandate is to generate income and create jobs. The Pax Silica project is expected to increase the use of Subic’s port facilities, warehouses, cargo terminals and staging areas for the transport and storage of construction materials, equipment and industrial supplies,” he cited.
He likewise pointed out that the initiative could also boost lease revenues from existing and future locators operating within and around the port complex.
Pax Silica, launched by the United States in December 2025, is a multinational initiative aimed at building resilient supply chains for AI technologies, semiconductors and critical minerals among allied nations.
The initiative was among the key topics discussed during the recent meeting between President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. and US secretary of state Marco Antonio Rubio.
A former US naval base with a natural deep-water harbor in Olongapo City Zambales, the Port of Subic has been designated as the principal maritime gateway supporting the proposed AI-native Economic Security Zone in New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.
Aliño emphasized that the port’s capability to accommodate large cargo vessels makes it indispensable to the country’s technology ambitions.
“The port is what Clark does not have,” he said, stressing the importance of linking New Clark City’s future industrial zone with an international seaport capable of handling high-volume of cargo.
As planning advances, SBMA expects the development of manufacturing facilities, processing plants, logistics centers, warehouses and other supporting infrastructure inside the Subic Freeport to complement the New Clark City technology hub.
