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.