Reigning Miss Philippines Earth Rina Andrea delos Santos has come out against the construction of Pax Silica facilities in the Philippines, citing her position as an environmental advocate.
“As your Miss Philippines Earth and as an environmental advocate, I am against Pax Silica. I understand that we want to progress through accepting or embracing innovations, technology, AI [artificial intelligence], and, building data centers here in the Philippines,” delos Santos said in a mix of English and Filipino.
Pax Silica is a US-led initiative to secure a global supply chain for advanced technology, including semiconductors and AI infrastructure, aimed at countering China’s dominance in these sectors. The Philippines recently joined the coalition to host a large-scale tech hub, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. endorsing the project.
Construction is not expected to begin until 2028, though the Bases Conversion and Development Authority is negotiating a formal framework agreement with the United States that officials aim to have ready for signing by November 2026.
Delos Santos, who is from Ballesteros, Cagayan, acknowledged the project’s potential economic benefits, including foreign investment and jobs for Filipinos, but questioned whether those gains would last. “But will it be sustainable especially in the long run? I don’t believe so,” she said.
She joins other public figures who have spoken out against the project, including BINI’s Mikha Lim and Brent Manalo, whose hometown in Tarlac would be directly affected by one of the proposed sites. Communities in the Tarlac area have raised concerns about displacement and the environmental cost of the project, while the government has said safeguards will be put in place to address those concerns.
“I’ve always believed that new progress, or sustainable progress shouldn’t compromise the integrity, the health and well-being of our environment, also, our people,” delos Santos said, adding that the project would gradually deplete natural resources, including minerals and water.
“I hope that everyone will understand that no matter how progressive we become… if in the long run the environment will suffer and the health and well-being of the people will be compromised, who will get to enjoy the benefits, if us, people, and the environment slowly suffers?” she said.
Delos Santos won the Miss Philippines Earth title in June at a competition held in Bukidnon. She is set to represent the country at the 26th Miss Earth pageant later this year, where the Philippines will seek its fifth international title.
