Actor raises alarm over Tarlac livelihoods as proposed AI hub draws mounting opposition.
Actor Brent Manalo has publicly voiced his opposition to the proposed Pax Silica initiative, citing its potential impact on farmers and agricultural communities in his home province of Tarlac.
Posting on X, Brent wrote, “Tarlac heavily relies on agriculture for its sustenance and marami sa magsasaka namin ang posibleng ma-relocate at mawalan ng kabuhayan dahil dito. And this is just one of the many risks it poses. The 1.6k-hectare AI hub promises to be innovative, but at what cost?”
NO TO PAX SILICA
— brent manalo (@brentymanalo) July 25, 2026
Tarlac heavily relies on agriculture for its sustenance and marami sa magsasaka namin ang posibleng marelocate at mawalan ng kabuhayan dahil dito. And this is just one of the many risks it poses. the 1.6 hectare AI-hub promises to be innovative but at what cost
His statement comes as photos circulated online showing the STT Fairview Data Center Campus, a planned development spanning more than 83,000 square meters across four buildings near residential areas in Quezon City. The project forms part of the country’s expanding digital infrastructure as the Philippines positions itself as a regional hub for artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.
The broader push is linked to the Philippines’ participation in the US-led Pax Silica initiative, which includes a proposed AI and technology hub in New Clark City, Tarlac.
However, the initiative has drawn opposition from civil society groups, farmers’ organizations, and environmental advocates, who have raised concerns over possible land displacement, environmental impacts, and questions surrounding national sovereignty.
Brent is among the latest public figures to speak out on the issue, as online discussions continue over balancing technological development with the welfare of affected communities.
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