Manila:Malacañang has assured the public that the facilities for the United States-led Pax Silica project will be built within the designated 'buildable zone' to prevent the displacement of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and local farmers.

According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is aware of concerns regarding the potential displacement of communities at the proposed site of the high-tech manufacturing and innovation hub.

Castro explained that 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 assured that the structures would be placed within the buildable zone, ensuring that farmers and IPs would not be affected.

Castro further assured residents who might be affected that the government would provide assistance and not leave them without a place to live. She mentioned that financial assistance would be available if displacement becomes necessary.

Her remarks addressed concerns about the possible displacement of at least 200 Aeta residents due to the proposed Pax Silica development. Castro clarified that the framework agreement remains under negotiation, with the government awaiting the U.S. response to its draft proposal. The Bases Conversion and Development Authority, along with the Department of Trade and Industry, had earlier submitted the draft framework agreement for the Pax Silica initiative to the Office of the President, which will guide negotiations and finalization with the U.S.