Amid mounting concerns over the Marcos administration’s participation in the US-led Pax Silica initiative and the proposed establishment of an Economic Security Zone (ESZ) in New Clark City, Tarlac, more than 200 individuals representing at least 70 organizations came together on National Heroes Day to officially launch the Network Opposed to Pax Silica (NO to Pax Silica) at the Mary Hill School of Theology in Quezon City.
The launch brought together affected communities—Aytas and farmers from Tarlac as well as social and environmental activists, faith-based groups, youth and students, members of the scientific community, peace advocates, businesses, and other concerned sectors—to collectively raise the alarm over Pax Silica’s wide-ranging implications.
The launching program opened with Indigenous Aytas from Capas, Tarlac, leading the opening prayer, followed by welcome remarks from Bishop Elorde Sambat, Executive Director of Christian Schools, Colleges, and Universities.
Central to the launch was a panel on issues and concerns surrounding Pax Silica, unpacking its real-world impact from multiple angles.
Land grabbing and displacement of communities was addressed by Apung Petronila Capiz-Muñoz, Chieftain of Sitio Sapang Kawayan in Capas, Tarlac, who spoke on how the proposed Economic Security Zone threatens ancestral domains and livelihoods.
Environmental degradation and resource plunder was tackled by beauty queen and human rights activist Bea Millan-Windorski, alongside Thony Dizon, Advocacy and Campaign Officer of Ban Toxics, who raised alarms over ecological destruction tied to the initiative.
Development priorities and whose interests are served was discussed by Dr. Giovanni Tapang, Chair Emeritus of Agham Advocates for Science and Technology for the People and former Dean of the UP Diliman College of Science, who questioned the trajectory of economic development under Pax Silica.
National sovereignty and peace was addressed by Teddy Casiño, Chairperson of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, who framed the issue within broader questions of Philippine independence, patrimony, and regional stability.
The program also featured a cultural performance by acclaimed folk musician and music producer Bayang Barrios, followed by an open forum where participants raised questions and shared perspectives. A symbolic signing ceremony accompanied by a performance from Barangay Pesante Combo formalized the coalition’s commitment to the campaign. Belle Espiritu, Vice Chairperson of the League of Filipino Students, delivered the closing remarks and call to action.
Watch the livestream of the launch here:
Part 1: https://web.facebook.com/share/v/19LhWbEtDk/
Part 2: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1F7Ps2NQQe/
The group said that among its first actions is to visit the indigenous peoples and farming communities to be affected by the ESZ project in Capas, Tarlac. It will also hold public fora and discussions in various schools, churches, and communities about the issues and concerns about the project.
For more information, you may visit the NO to Pax Silica FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/no2paxsilica or email us at no2paxsilica@gmail.com.