BIZ BUZZ: Uy wants in on Pax Silica

MANILA, Philippines — Pampanga-based tycoon Dennis Anthony Uy has long been known for investing back in his hometown of Angeles, so it’s perhaps no surprise that he is taking an interest in the massive developments taking shape nearby.

There is, of course, the planned Pax Silica hub that would house artificial intelligence (AI)-related industries.

Then there’s the Bases Conversion and Development Authority’s (BCDA) continuing search for a joint venture partner to build a P2.5-billion information and communications technology infrastructure project in New Clark City.

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For Uy, both projects make logical investments for Converge ICT Solutions Inc.

For one, the telco is already leaning into AI-related investments. For another, Converge already has a significant presence in the area, with its largest data center stationed in Angeles City.

“We will look into it,” Uy said of the massive ICT infrastructure project in New Clark City, which has been bid out multiple times since 2023 but has yet to attract an eligible bidder. “Nandoon na kami e (We’re already there).”

And even as the BCDA has ruled out hyperscalers for Pax Silica, Uy still sees a role for Converge in the 1,619-hectare hub.

“This is mostly for manufacturing AI components,” he said. “Maybe I can provide the connectivity, provide the AI infrastructure. For the high-tech manufacturing factories, we can provide AI computing for them.”

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After all, Pax Silica already bears some resemblance to what Uy had envisioned before: a “tech city” spanning Angeles and Mexico in Pampanga that was billed as the Philippines’ answer to Silicon Valley.

Uy also confirmed plans to build a $500-million subsea cable network with the country’s two other major telcos, PLDT Inc. and Globe Telecom Inc.

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Under the proposal, the three companies would jointly build submarine fiber-optic cables stretching from Batanes to Palawan and through the Visayas and Mindanao, before looping back to Luzon through the Pacific Ocean.

Indeed, some of Converge’s biggest opportunities may just be found in Uy’s own backyard. —Logan Kal-El M. Zapanta

Japan honors Purisima

Cesar Purisima has another feather in his cap.

The former finance and trade secretary was recently conferred Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, for his contributions to strengthening economic and financial ties between Japan and the Philippines.

Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya hosted a reception on Aug. 10 to celebrate the honor, which was part of Japan’s 2026 Spring Conferment of Decorations on Foreign Nationals.

Purisima’s Japan credentials date back to his stint as trade and industry secretary from 2003 to 2005, when his office was involved in negotiations for the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement, the country’s first bilateral free trade pact.

As finance chief from 2010 to 2016, he again helped advance ties with Japan, supporting amendments to the Foreign Bank Liberalization Act that facilitated the entry of Japanese banks into the Philippine financial market.

The changes helped pave the way for closer financial cooperation between the two countries.

Endo presented Purisima with the medal and certificate during the reception. —Ian Nicolas P. Cigaral INQ