Philippine tribe in limbo over US-led tech hub

The Aeta Hungey tribe faces potential displacement as the Philippine government prepares a 1,620-hectare site in New Clark City for a semiconductor and rare earth element manufacturing hub. Indigenous leader Petronila Munoz said the tribe has received little information and no prior consultation regarding how much of their land will be affected or how the project will impact their livelihoods.

The project is part of Pax Silica, a United States-led initiative designed to strengthen supply chains for high-end components used in artificial intelligence data centers and reduce dependence on China. While the Philippine government estimates the hub could attract $70 billion in investment and create 190,000 jobs, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority sent a letter to approximately 1,000 Aetas in July warning that the project could affect their occupied lands.

The manufacturing hub is located in Tarlac province, north of Manila. Although the project has a long timeline and no tenants have been confirmed, Munoz stated that the tribe remains uncertain about their future.