The agency expects 10 to 20 semiconductor locators within the Pax Silica hub for the first phase, Mr. Bingcang noted. In April, the Philippines joined Pax Silica, a coalition meant to secure and develop supply chains needed to produce AI-driven infrastructure. Under the Pax Silica bloc, Manila and Washington are developing a 1,619-ha semiconductor manufacturing hub within NCC to produce key components to run AI infrastructure. The Pax Silica hub has drawn scrutiny from various sectors due to concerns over environmental degradation, the alleged displacement of local communities, and potential implications for national interest. During the briefing, Trade Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo emphasized that the Pax Silica hub will be built on government-owned land.