The Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (PAMCHAM) has reaffirmed its support for the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) and Pax Silica initiative, while calling for a unified North Luzon business voice to help ensure the programs benefit Central Luzon and the country.
PAMCHAM welcomed the proposed hosting of the national strategy in Region III, particularly the development of New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac as the proposed first AI-native industrial acceleration hub under Pax Silica.
The chamber said the initiative presents a significant opportunity to strengthen the Philippines’ position in the global semiconductor and artificial intelligence value chain, but stressed that its success will depend on how its terms are negotiated and implemented.
It called for greater clarity on concerns involving water and power use, land conversion, community displacement, jobs, and the country’s position in the value chain, emphasizing that host communities, workers, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) should have a voice in the process.
PAMCHAM also noted that the terms for the New Clark City hub remain under negotiation between the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and prospective anchor investors, with no final framework agreement publicly released.
To strengthen regional participation, PAMCHAM initiated a Regional Industry Position Paper on the LEC and Pax Silica, which is now before the North Luzon Area Cluster of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) for adoption.
Among its proposals is the creation of a Special Committee on the LEC and Pax Silica within the Regional Development Council III (RDC III) to regularly monitor the corridor’s progress, track local economic benefits, harmonize permitting and customs processes, and ensure affected sectors have a role in decisions involving incentives, land use, and local benefits.
PAMCHAM said Central Luzon’s long experience in electronics assembly and testing gives the Philippines leverage to negotiate for technology transfer, supplier development, and workforce upgrading.
The chamber also invited business groups across the region, including the Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Clark Investors and Locators Association, AmCham North Luzon, and PCCI chapters in Tarlac, Bataan, and Bulacan, to join and help shape the position paper.
PAMCHAM said a corridor spanning multiple provinces and freeports requires a single, credible regional business voice — one that supports the initiative’s potential while ensuring that Central Luzon, as its host, shares in its long-term benefits.
