By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
Malacañang on Wednesday assured the public that facilities for the United States (US)-led Pax Silica project will be built within the designated “buildable zone” to prevent the displacement of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and local farmers.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is aware of concerns over the possible displacement of communities in the proposed site of the high- tech manufacturing and innovation hub.
“Ang lahat po ng issue na ito na talaga pong pinagtutuunan ng Pangulo at alam niya po.Sa ating pagkakaalam, ilalagay naman ang nasabing istruktura doon sa buildable zone. So, kung nasa buildable zone siya, wala dapat maapektuhan na ating mga kababayan, na farmers, or IPs,” she told the media.
Usec. Castro said the proposed development covers more than 6,000 hectares, with only 3,000 hectares designated as the buildable area.
The remaining land will be reserved for Aeta residents whose ancestral homes are within the proposed development site.
She expounded, “Ang ibang lahat diyan na natirang lupa ay talagang nakalaan sa ating mga kababayan na ang talagang nakagisnan nilang tahanan ay ang nasabing lugar. So, hindi po sila pababayaan.”
Usec. Castro also assured residents who might be affected by the project that the government would not leave them without assistance.
“Kung nandoon po sila sa buildable zone, hindi po sila pababayaan para mawalan sila ng lugar para tirahan,” she said, adding that financial assistance would be provided if displacement becomes necessary.
Her remarks came amid concerns over the possible displacement of at least 200 Aeta residents due to the proposed Pax Silica development.
Usec. Castro clarified that the framework agreement remains under negotiation, with the government awaiting the US response to its draft proposal.
The Bases Conversion and Development Authority, together with the Department of Trade and Industry, earlier submitted the draft framework agreement for the Pax Silica initiative to the Office of the President.
The Malacañang official said the draft will serve as a guide for negotiations and the finalization of the agreement with the US.
