Policy brief·Tarlac
Filipino artists' coalition protests US-led AI manufacturing hub in New Clark City
A new coalition, Artists Unite Against Pax Silica, has taken to the streets and galleries to oppose a planned 1,600-hectare AI manufacturing hub in Tarlac province led by the US-backed Pax Silica initiative. It debuted the exhibition 'ALL CAPS: Art, Land & Labor' in Quezon City on September 6 and staged a rally at the proposed site on September 11.

Artists Unite Against Pax Silica (AUPAX), a newly formed coalition of Philippine artists, writers, designers and creatives, is protesting a roughly 1,600-hectare AI manufacturing hub planned by Pax Silica, a US-led initiative aiming to secure supply chains for AI-critical minerals, semiconductors and manufacturing infrastructure. The Philippines joined the programme in April, earmarking land in New Clark City spanning Bamban and Capas in Tarlac province. In an open letter, AUPAX warned the construction would have a devastating effect on land, environment, labour and livelihoods, calling it an attempt to consolidate US technological and economic domination. On September 6 the coalition opened 'ALL CAPS: Art, Land & Labor — Creatives Against Pax Silica' at Sampaguita Projects Gallery in Quezon City, followed by a September 11 rally at the proposed site drawing hundreds of people.


