Israel to extend expertise in cybersecurity, AI – envoy

ANGELES CITY – Israel Ambassador to Manila Dana Kursh said the Philippines is ready for the shift to advanced industries under the Pax Silica initiative. Kursh said her government will work with Manila to develop the “next generation of solutions that will better our lives,” citing further cooperation in the field of tourism, agriculture, education, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI). Israel, which is among the 24 nations that support the Pax Silica Initiative, said the Philippines has an abundant supply of minerals needed to develop advanced manufacturing industries and supply chains. “Israel has cutting-edge technology when it comes to artificial intelligence,” Kursh said. “We can create a partnership that is a win-win for both sides. You have the talent and a big population, which is young.” Kursh also cited the need to strengthen cybersecurity. “We will tackle the challenges of the future together. We want to partner together for a better future. We want to find ways to work together,” she said. Kursh said her country lacks the minerals needed to produce microchips, noting the abundant supply of critical minerals in the Philippines that can be processed to manufacture semiconductors. The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) earlier said it will pursue development of the multibillion-dollar 1,620-hectare Pax Silica microprocessor manufacturing facility at Sitio Binyayan, Capas, Tarlac, amid mounting opposition against it because of the alleged huge requirement in water and energy resources. BCDA President and CEO Joshua Bingcang clarified that the Pax Silica project will not involve data centers, allaying fears of Tarlac residents and cause-oriented groups. Bingcang has said the manufacturing firms that will locate in Pax Silica will have their own energy production, and that BCDA will develop water retention areas within the facility. The manufacturing industries that will be located in Pax Silica are expected to generate 190,000 direct jobs, and another 500,000 to 800,000 indirect jobs. It is also expected to generate P60 billion in lease income over 25 years and $200 billion in export potential at full build-out. Kursh said Israel and the Philippines will also look into the further development of agriculture and tourism. She said she has coordinated with the Philippine National Police and the Siargao local government, urging them to implement laws against rowdy Israelis. “I encourage the Philippines not to look into the few rotten apples,” she said. Some 40,000 Israelis visit the Philippines annually, particularly Siargao. Kursh has encouraged Israeli tourists to respect the hospitality of the Filipinos. She said a direct flight between Israel and the Philippines will be launched in January 2027, which will further improve tourism for both countries. “At the end of the day, the aim of a diplomat is to be a matchmaker that connects our ecosystem, and there is no better way than a bridge of direct flights, to have this connectivity with more people, more Filipinos going to Israel and more Israelis coming here.” Asked if it is safe to travel to Israel amid mounting tensions caused by the war on Iran, Kursh replied, “Yes. Looks can be deceiving.”