The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said the site will anchor the country’s participation in the Pax Silica Declaration, an initiative aimed at building a secure, resilient, and innovation-driven supply chain spanning critical minerals, semiconductors, AI, and advanced manufacturing.

The move underscores the Philippines’ push to become a more active player in the global tech landscape, in line with the Marcos administration’s goal of establishing the country as a regional AI powerhouse under its National AI Strategy Roadmap.

“By joining Pax Silica, the Philippines is ensuring that our mineral resources and strategic location are not simply supporting global industries from the margins, but are actively harnessed to build the industries of the future,” Finance Secretary Frederick Go said.

As part of this commitment, the BCDA has earmarked the 4,000-acre (about 1,600-hectare) site in New Clark City as the location of a Pax Silica Coordination Office. The facility is envisioned as a convergence point for technology firms, research institutions, and government agencies to build an integrated AI ecosystem, accelerate innovation, and attract high-value investments.

Located within the Luzon Economic Corridor, the site will host the first Coordination Office under the Pax Silica framework and will be designated as a “Golden Node” — a new model for AI-native investment hubs.

“The Golden Node is not about recreating the factories of the last century. It is about building the manufacturing ecosystems of the next century — AI-native from day one, anchored in the rule of law, and integrated into a network of trusted nations that will define global supply chain resilience for decades to come,” US Undersecretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg said.

BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang said the project places New Clark City at the center of a critical transformation for the country.

“By establishing this Golden Node, we stand to position New Clark City as a vital link in the global supply chain for advanced technologies and next-generation manufacturing. On the ground, this will translate into more quality job opportunities for Filipinos and greater participation of local enterprises in the growing innovation-driven economy across the globe,” he said.

To support the initiative, BCDA will grant a two-year grace period on lease payments, which will be treated as an unconditional in-kind contribution to economic cooperation efforts. Lease rates from the third year onward will be set under a separate agreement.

New Clark City is being developed as the country’s first smart, disaster-resilient, and green metropolis, with the government ramping up efforts to attract technology-driven industries by strengthening digital infrastructure and fostering innovation.

Back in New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, this year’s edition, themed “A Weekend of Everything That Flies,” packs the skies and the grounds with must-see attractions — from colorful hot air balloons and aerial sports to drone racing and dazzling night spectacles.

If you’ve been meaning to go, this is the moment. The fiesta runs for a limited time only and offers a rare chance to experience aviation, adventure, and family-friendly activities all in one place.

Beyond the spectacle, the event also highlights Central Luzon as a growing hub for sports tourism and showcases how former military lands have been transformed into vibrant, people-first spaces.

“What we wanted to do with this event was show what good planning and governance can achieve. From the start, New Clark City was developed to be a livable, functional space that people can actually use and return to. We hope that Filipinos can look to it as a space for sport and leisure long after this festival,” said Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) President and CEO Engineer Jake Bingcang.

Here are five things worth making time for, no matter what brings you to the field.

1. Hot air balloons you don’t see up close

In its 26th year, the heart of the fiesta remains the hot air balloons themselves, with both classic and special-shaped balloons flying in from different countries. Daybreak ascents offer a prime viewing window, when balloons lift off to drift across New Clark City’s open skyline. For many first-time visitors, this is a rare chance to see aviation up close in a space designed for public access.

2. Aerial sports, live and unscripted

From hoverbikes cutting through the air to paragliders and helicopters performing precision maneuvers, the aerial shows are something of a love letter to the aviation community that has helped grow interest in air sports well beyond hobbyist circles. Radio-controlled aircraft demonstrations and fly-ins are also there for spectators who value function over form.

3. Drone racing and tech-forward competitions 

Drone racing has become one of the fiesta’s most anticipated components, with World Air Sports Federation-recognized competitions pushing speed and skill alike to their limits. Even for non-enthusiasts, the races are easy to follow as pilots demonstrate remarkable finesse. This year’s program also features drone soccer demonstrations, giving spectators a closer look at how drone technology is being adapted into emerging competitive sports that blend aviation, robotics, and teamwork.

4. Night glows that change the mood entirely

After dark, illuminated balloons will light up the field, paired with music, drone light shows, and fireworks that make the fiesta feel like a community event. Falling on Valentine’s weekend, it’s also one of the few moments when aviation turns romantic.

5. A venue designed for everyday Filipino life

What ties everything together is New Clark City. With open spaces and purpose-built event areas, the city made it possible to host tens of thousands of visitors. For the BCDA, this is by design. 

“With attention to detail given to transport access and crowd flow, what we got was a working example of how sports tourism and good governance can come together in a city built for people. For us, former military lands can be transformed into spaces that support sports and daily life without feeling out of reach,” Bingcang said.

The signing ceremony was attended by key leaders, including Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang, President and CEO of BCDA; Hedda Y. Rulona, Senior Vice President of BCDA Investment and Financial Management Group; Solomon Hermosura, Government Corporate Counsel; Koji Miyashita, CEO and President of IPS Inc.; Shigeki Nakahara, President of InfiniVAN Inc.; and Alejandro A. Aquino, IPS Group Advisor for Strategic Partnerships and Business Development.

The agreement underscores the shared commitment of the three parties to expand digital network infrastructure coverage and resiliency, and accelerate digital transformation across the country.

A strategic collaboration for digital advancement

The MOU outlines cooperation in maximizing the use of BCDA’s existing facilities, particularly the Luzon Bypass Infrastructure (LBI), which consists of two strategically situated submarine cable landing stations (CLS) in San Fernando, La Union and Baler, Aurora, as well as a 240-kilometer fiber optic conduit network connecting the two CLSs.

IPS, with its investments in international submarine cable projects, and InfiniVAN, with its extensive nationwide fiber optic network, will jointly support this initiative to deliver secure, reliable, and future-ready connectivity.

The Luzon Bypass Infrastructure is a forward-looking investment undertaken by the Philippine government in 2018 under a Three-Party Framework Agreement among the BCDA, the DICT, and META (formerly Facebook) in order to mitigate pervasive submarine cable risks along the Luzon Strait.

Under the agreement, META is to provide the Philippine government two terrabytes per second (Tbps) of international bandwidth between the Philippines and the United States in support of the full development of a secure and reliable government network all over the country.

Commitment to national growth and security

InfiniVAN, recognized as one of the fastest-growing telecom providers in the country, will leverage its nationwide digital infrastructure—including submarine, aerial, and terrestrial fiber—to support this collaboration.

By aligning with IPS’s international capacity and BCDA’s strategic infrastructure, the project will not only expand digital inclusion but also strengthen national security through resilient network design.

“This partnership is more than just building networks—it’s about creating lasting socio-economic impact for Filipinos by ensuring faster, safer, and more reliable connectivity,” said Shigeki Nakahara, President of InfiniVAN Inc.

The initiative is expected to accelerate the rollout of the National Broadband Plan, support government digital services, and open opportunities for economic growth in business centers and economic zones across the country.

A game changer for the Philippines

The combined efforts of BCDA, IPS, and InfiniVAN represent a forward-looking step toward establishing the Philippines as a hub for regional connectivity.

With international subsea integration, expanded broadband access, and shared infrastructure, the initiative will strengthen the Philippines’ digital backbone for the next decade and beyond.

State Secretary to the Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Mrs. Diana Janse, and Director General of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), Mr. Jakob Granit, led the delegation during their February 25-27 visit.

“The Philippines is a priority partner for Sweden and the purpose of the officials’ visit is to further deepen partnerships” in key sectors such as infrastructure, climate change, and disaster resilience, the Embassy of Sweden said in a news release.

Sweden, through the Swedish Development Finance Institution (Swedfund), provided a new grant to support public transportation development; the grant was signed at the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Also, Sweden, this time through the Sida, signed a guarantee agreement for the ADB to increase investments to address climate change in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines.

During their visit, the Swedish officials engaged with key counterparts from the Departments of Finance, National Defense, Foreign Affairs, Transportation, and Information and Communications Technology, as well as the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) in Clark, focusing on ongoing initiatives.

In Clark, the Swedish officials met with representatives from the DICT, World Food Programme (WPF), and the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation to discuss collaboration in disaster resilience and how Swedish expertise, innovation, and technology can contribute to enhancing the Philippines’ preparedness and response capacity to natural disasters.

Ericsson Response, the disaster relief program of the leading Swedish provider of mobile connectivity solutions Ericsson, together with the DICT and WPF, presented their work and one of the specialized Government Emergency Communications Service-Mobile Operations Vehicles (GECS-MOVE). Ten of these vehicles, provided by Ericsson, are deployed in strategic locations around the country to ensure fast and effective response. Trusted connectivity is critical for a country’s safety. 

Swedish officials also met with BCDA to express support for the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas Freight Railway Project and were showcased its plans and progress. Sweden is supporting DOTr in the project development phase, providing technical assistance through Swedfund.

“We are determined to continue building a deep and long-lasting partnership with the Philippines. In addition, Swedish companies are investing in the country, contributing to job creation and technology transfer,” said State Secretary Mrs. Diana Janse, during her visit to the Swedish consumer electronics and engineered soft goods company OSM Group in Clark.

In 2025, OSM Group has plans to expand its industrial footprint, both operations and investments, in the Philippines due to availability of the competitive skills in the country.

Sweden is one of the top global leaders of high technological, innovative and sustainable solutions in security and defense, connectivity, health, sustainable mining and infrastructure. The country spends around 3.5 percent of GDP on research and development, government and private sector combined.

This visit underscores Sweden’s commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth and resilience through knowledge-sharing and innovation-driven partnerships.

Sweden has had diplomatic relations with the Philippines since 1947.

The Board of Investments (BOI) said this record-breaking achievement highlights the Marcos Jr. administration’s successful push to position the Philippines as a leading investment destination, with overall investment figures surpassing 2023 numbers by more than 29%.

The emerging trend is: Filipino-owned projects secure foreign partnerships thus ensuring sustained industry development and greater global integration.

For example, Terra Solar of MGen (Meralco), the second-largest RE project registered in 2024, began as a fully Filipino-owned entity but is now 40% owned by UK-based ACTIS. Similarly, SunAsia Energy, originally 100% Filipino, has received backing from Australian firm Macquarie, with five projects in Laguna Lake involving foreign ownership. Tera Renewables, initially a Filipino company, is now supported by U.S.-based investment giant BlackRock.

According to a BOI news release, domestic investments more than doubled from ₱578 billion in 2023 to ₱1.35 trillion, while foreign investments accounted for ₱544 billion.

Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (SAPIEA) Frederick D. Go emphasized the broader economic impact, noting these investments are expected to generate over 130,000 jobs, according to data from various investment promotion agencies.

“This unprecedented performance shows growing investor confidence in the Philippines and the success of the administration’s investment and economic policies,” said SAPIEA Go.

“We are optimistic that these approved projects will translate into tangible economic benefits, including more and better job opportunities for Filipinos, and pave the way for sustainable, investment-led growth,” he added.

Key contributors to this milestone are BOI, Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), Clark Development Corporation (CDC), and Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).

Trade Undersecretary Perry Rodolfo noted the importance of both the scale and the nature of the investments.

“The projects approved focus on sectors that will modernize and transform the Philippine economy—such as renewable energy, telecom infrastructure, innovation-driven light manufacturing, and integrated tech-enabled agriculture,” Rodolfo said.

Aside from renewable energy, other sectors like manufacturing (₱144 billion), real estate (₱138 billion), transportation and storage (₱131 billion), and electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply (₱79 billion) also attracted significant investments.

Switzerland, South Korea, the Netherlands, Japan, and Singapore emerged as the top foreign investors.

The BOI said that as the Philippines continues its upward investment trajectory, these developments reflect the growing appeal of the country to global capital. The evolving ownership landscape signals a maturing investment climate, fostering strong local participation while leveraging international partnerships to drive long-term, sustainable growth.

The reimplementation of the cashless toll collection policy will come into effect on March 15, 2025, in compliance with the government’s mandate.

In a joint statement, SMC Infrastructure, Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC), MCX Tollway Inc., Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), and Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), PEA Tollway Corporation (PEATC) said this policy is vital in addressing ongoing traffic congestion at toll plazas, improving safety, and enhancing convenience for motorists.

Citing TRB data, the toll operators said a significant 97% of expressway users already use an Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) Device or RFID Sticker for toll payments.

The toll operators are thus calling on the remaining 3% of motorists who continue to pay in cash to make the switch to RFID for a faster, more efficient, and seamless toll experience.

“Getting an RFID is simple and hassle-free,” said the joint statement issued by the toll operators.

“Installation is free, and there is no minimum load or maintaining balance required. Reloading your account is easy, with several convenient options available through customer service centers, kiosks, banks, e-wallets, and other payment platforms,” they said.

However, feedback from some members of the driving public have expressed concerns regarding the RFID system. While many express support for the move to cashless tolling, citing the convenience and speed it offers, others have raised frustrations regarding faulty RFID tags and the inconvenience of having to reload their accounts regularly.

Some motorists said they have experienced how their RFID is not being detected properly, which causes delays and traffic build-up. They said that sometimes the kiosk machines are out of service, or the online platforms are glitchy.

Motorists are encouraged to stay informed and up-to-date on their toll transactions by ensuring their contact details, including email and mobile number, are updated in their RFID accounts. This allows them to receive account notifications and monthly statements. Official RFID mobile apps are also available, providing a quick way to check balances, reload accounts, and calculate toll fees.

“As toll operators, we are committed to continuously improving our systems to provide safer, faster, and more convenient expressway travel for all,” they said.