Philippine tribe in limbo over US-led tech hub

In the village of Capas, Tarlac province, the traditional lands of the Aeta Hungey tribe, led by Petronila Munoz, are under threat as a US-led tech hub known as Pax Silica takes shape. Tribal leader Munoz expressed concern over the potential impact on her tribe's livelihood, culture, and ancestral lands. The US announced the Philippines' involvement in the program in April, which aims to bolster semiconductor and rare earth element supply chains and reduce dependence on China.

The project involves constructing a 1,620-hectare manufacturing hub in New Clark City, Tarlac, with the potential to attract $70 billion in investment and create 190,000 jobs. However, the BCDA, the government agency overseeing the project, has not provided clarity on how much of the tribe's land could be affected or when displacement might occur.

In July, the BCDA informed the Aetas they must vacate their homes by December and relocate 16km away, offering only 30 pesos per square meter for their land, which all rejected. The BCDA has not offered a master plan detailing the affected areas. The tribe's ancestral land, where they hold no land title, is crucial to their cultural identity and survival.

The BCDA has held public consultations but has not yet consulted with the Aeta tribe. Concerns have been raised about the project's environmental impact, particularly water and energy demands. Despite these challenges, proponents argue that the initiative represents a historic opportunity for the Philippines to move beyond its traditional reliance on China and foster technological transfer.

However, the lack of transparency and meaningful consultation raises questions about the government's commitment to respecting the rights and well-being of Indigenous communities like the Aeta Hungey tribe.