The Philippines has become the 13th country to join Pax Silica, a Washington-led programme aimed at securing the full technology supply chain — spanning critical minerals, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and data infrastructure. As part of the agreement, the two countries will develop a 1,620-hectare industrial hub within the Luzon Economic Corridor (a strategic manufacturing and logistics belt that includes the capital Manila), intended as a platform for allied manufacturing. The move deepens an already strengthening US–Philippines alliance and forms part of the Trump administration's broader strategy to reduce dependence on rival nations in key technology sectors.