Globe says private sector must help shape PH role in Pax Silica

Collaboration between government and business will be key as the Philippines looks at where it can participate.

Photo from Globe

Globe on private sector's role in Pax Silica

As discussions around Pax Silica take shape, Globe sees an opportunity for the Philippine private sector to contribute its capabilities and expertise to the country's broader push to strengthen its position in the global technology economy.

That's according to Globe President and CEO Carl Cruz, whose view echoes a recent call from Ayala Corporation Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala.

Zobel de Ayala had urged Philippine businesses to start identifying where their existing strengths could contribute to Pax Silica-related opportunities, rather than waiting for all the details to be finalized.

The discussion comes as the government begins laying out possible areas for Philippine participation.

Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo has outlined a proposed Philippine Technology Corridor, with potential nodes covering advanced manufacturing in New Clark City, integrated circuit design and innovation in Metro Manila, AI compute and cloud infrastructure in Batangas, a Pacific-facing connectivity gateway in Aurora, critical minerals in Mindanao, and a potential semiconductor fabrication hub in Bulacan.

Rodolfo has said these areas build on industries and capabilities the Philippines has already been developing, rather than being pursued solely because of Pax Silica. He sees the initiative as another avenue to strengthen those efforts and connect the Philippines more closely with the wider international technology ecosystem.

For Globe, fiberization, connectivity, and data centers are where it sees itself supporting this developing ecosystem.

AI, cloud computing, advanced manufacturing, and other technology-intensive industries depend on reliable digital infrastructure. That gives telecom companies a role in supporting businesses and emerging technology hubs as plans develop.

Cruz said that "this is a broader national effort, and each industry will have something different to contribute."

What is important at this stage is that the private sector is engaged in the conversation and looking at where it can meaningfully help, he said.

Globe has previously welcomed the opportunities presented by Pax Silica, while noting that implementation will require careful consideration of environmental, resource, geopolitical, and other factors. Government officials have similarly said projects under the initiative would remain subject to Philippine laws, labor standards, environmental requirements, and national priorities.

As the country's plans continue to develop, Globe believes sustained dialogue among government, businesses, academe, and other stakeholders can help identify where Philippine capabilities are best positioned to contribute. For the private sector, that means staying engaged and ready to bring relevant expertise to the table as opportunities emerge.

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