Philippines targets Apple and Nvidia for New Clark City tech hub

The Philippines is preparing to court global technology giants including Apple, Nvidia, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) to anchor a new 1,619-hectare industrial hub. The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) announced on Tuesday, 29 September, that the planned "Pax Silica" zone in New Clark City is being positioned as a centerpiece for advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence infrastructure. Strategic tech corridor Located approximately 100km north of Manila, the Pax Silica project is designed to link a national tech corridor. This network aims to connect chip design centers in Metro Manila, critical mineral supplies from Mindanao, and AI data centers in Batangas. BCDA President and CEO Joshua Bingcang confirmed that the government plans to approach firms such as Qualcomm, AMD, and Broadcom once a master agreement with US counterparts is finalized. The Philippines currently generates approximately $50 billion annually from semiconductor and electronics exports, which account for 73% of its local manufacturing sector. The new hub represents a shift from simple assembly toward high-value production. "We should not just be buyers, but producers," Bingcang stated, indicating a long-term goal for the Philippines to develop its own technology brands. International investment and timelines The project is part of a broader US-led alliance aimed at securing technology supply chains. As of late 2026, this alliance includes 25 nations, including…