Photo caption: The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) have formalized a partnership to position the Port of Subic Bay as the preferred maritime gateway for the Pax Silica initiative, supporting its logistics, cargo handling,import and export operations, data integration, and other critical supply chain requirements. The signing was headed by BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang and SBMA Chairman Eduardo Jose L. Aliño. Also present were SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Operation Ronnie Yambao and BCDA Senior Vice President for Legal Services Atty. Diana Joyce N. Basco-Galera.BCDA photo
The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) signed a partnership agreement designating the Port of Subic Bay as the preferred maritime gateway for Pax Silica as it aims to strengthen the Philippines’ position in the global effort in securing semiconductor, AI, and critical minerals supply chains.
The agreement gives Pax Silica, the Philippines’ flagship platform for the multilateral Pax Silica initiative, a dedicated port framework for the import, export, handling, storage, and transport of silica and related materials feeding its AI-native industrial enclave in New Clark City, Tarlac.
Under the deal, BCDA and SBMA will jointly conduct studies, share data, and carry out assessments to build up the port’s logistics capacity and unlock broader regional development opportunities along the Luzon Economic Corridor.
The partnership was signed by BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang and SBMA Chairperson Eduardo Jose L. Aliño.
“For the Pax Silica initiative, the Port of Subic Bay offers a strategic advantage,” Engr. Bingcang said. “It serves as a critical gateway that enables the efficient movement of raw materials into the country and the timely delivery of finished products to customers.”
Engr. Bingcang said the agreement reflects the Marcos administration’s whole-of-government approach to coordinated, proactive economic development.
Meanwhile, Chairperson Aliño said the designation formalizes Subic’s role in one of the region’s most consequential supply chains. “The designation of the Port of Subic as a key gateway for Pax Silica operations within the Luzon Economic Corridor is a milestone for SBMA,” he said. “Subic is uniquely equipped to handle the heavy logistics and specialized cargo needed to power AI-native economic security zones and advanced technology manufacturing across the region.”
“By connecting key industrial centers like Clark, Manila, and Batangas, SBMA is positioning its deep-water port and facilities as an essential bridge for high-tech trade and global supply chain resilience,” he added.
The Pax Silica initiative is a multilateral economic security framework launched in December 2025 to secure global supply chains, integrate secure data ecosystems, and expand allied production capacity for semiconductors, artificial intelligence technologies, and critical minerals.
The Philippines formally acceded to the initiative in April 2026, designating a primary AI-native industrial acceleration and manufacturing enclave within New Clark City as the cornerstone for its operational logistics, technology manufacturing, and cross-border supply chains.
Pax Silica operations sit within the broader Luzon Economic Corridor, a trilateral infrastructure and growth framework linking the economic zones of Subic, Clark, Manila, and Batangas to strengthen international trade and supply chain resilience.
Also present during the signing event were SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Operation Ronnie Yambao and BCDA Senior Vice President for Legal Services Atty. Diana Joyce N. Basco-Galera.