A high-level delegation from the United States government, the World Bank, and leading American technology and infrastructure firms visited the proposed 4,000-acre Pax Silica development in New Clark City, signaling strong international confidence in the Philippines’ push to become a major hub for artificial intelligence and advanced industries.

The delegation was led by United States Under Secretary of State for Economic AffairsJacob Helberg, joined officials from the Philippine government and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) in inspecting the proposed site.

A ceremonial marker for the development was unveiled during the visit, led by Helberg, Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary and Board of Investments Managing Head Ceferino ‘Perry’ Rodolfo, and BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua Bingcang.

The ceremony highlighted the strengthening strategic partnership between the Philippines and the United States under the Luzon Economic Corridor framework.

Helberg described the project as a response to vulnerabilities in the current global supply chain system.

“When 90% of a critical input comes from one country, you don’t have a supply chain, you have a hostage chain,” he said.

He added that the Pax Silica development in New Clark City is envisioned as an economic security zone that “fuses together the predictability and certainty of America with the speed and scale of Asia.”

BCDA President and CEO Bingcang emphasized the project’s impact on employment and regional growth, saying investments in infrastructure and industries within the corridor would generate quality jobs for Filipinos, particularly in Central Luzon.

The development also supports the vision of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. to strengthen high-growth sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, digital infrastructure, and high-value manufacturing, creating long-term opportunities for future generations of Filipinos.