MANILA – The Philippines is focusing on advancing its role in the global semiconductor industry, focusing particularly on workforce development and public policy.
In a news release from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), it stated that the series of strategic kick-off sessions was recently launched as part of the International Technology Security and Innovation Fund (ITSI Fund), a key initiative of the CHIPS and Science Act, designed to enhance semiconductor capabilities and supply chain resilience worldwide.
According to the DTI, the workshops are designed to develop a skilled workforce and create a supportive policy environment to attract investment and innovation in the semiconductor industry sector.
These efforts are in alignment with the ITSI Fund's goals to diversify and expand global semiconductor Assembly, Testing, and Packaging (ATP) capabilities, ensuring a robust and resilient supply chain, DTI added.
“This initiative represents a significant leap forward for the Philippines’ semiconductor industry. It not only strengthens our global ties with the United States but also sets the stage for the Philippines to become a critical contributor to the global semiconductor supply chain,” underscored Trade Undersecretary and Board of Investments (BOI) Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo.
The sessions were organized by the U.S. Department of State and Arizona State University (ASU) with the BOI and is still ongoing from September 25 to 27.
These workshops are expected to bring together key stakeholders from the DTI, Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA), Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) local government officials, ATP industry leaders, and academic representatives from top engineering and technology universities and vocational colleges, to identify the Philippines' strengths and challenges in the semiconductor sector and formulate action plans to enhance its capabilities, the DTI explained.
Meanwhile, DTI Secretary Cristina Roque expressed optimism and highlighted the importance of such programs in developing a conducive environment for investors, not just in the semiconductor industry.
“The impact of this program goes beyond the semiconductor industry—it is a driving force for the entire Philippine economy,” said Secretary Roque.
“As we invest in our people and build a welcoming environment for investors, the Philippines is on track to becoming a leading destination for semiconductor manufacturing and innovation,” she added.
As part of this initiative, ASU has launched the portal https://itsi-skillsaccelerator.org, offering free courses to students interested in the semiconductor industry. The platform also provides opportunities for faculty members to receive certifications in semiconductor technology, acting as a hub for individuals and institutions eager to engage with this critical field, the DTI mentioned.
This was echoed by Assistant Secretary for Investment Affairs Marvin Jason N. Bayang, speaking on behalf of Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick D. Go, said that the government is undertaking several key initiatives to maximize the semiconductor industry’s potential to boost economic growth.
“The government is undertaking several key initiatives such as instituting a conducive policy environment, enhancing ease of doing business, streamlining processes, accelerating infrastructure development, expanding access to capital markets, pursuing upskilling and reskilling opportunities, offering incentives, and identifying strategic areas for investments,” Assistant Secretary Bayang said.
ITSI Senior Coordinator Virginia Kent highlighted the larger impact of these efforts as well by saying that beyond progress is the “mutual dedication” to promote sustainable growth and prosperity through innovation.
“By working together, we can guarantee that the advantages of technological advancements are accessible to all, reinforcing our economies and the democratic values we share,” Kent said.
Mr. Jeffrey Goss, Principal Investigator of the ITSI Program at ASU, noted, “This partnership creates invaluable opportunities for students and professionals in the Philippines to acquire advanced skills in semiconductor technology. ASU is proud to contribute to the Philippines' path toward becoming a major player in this rapidly evolving industry.”
The Philippines is one of six strategic countries selected for this initiative, along with Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, Indonesia, and Vietnam, all supported by the U.S. Department of State.
The U.S. State Department awarded ASU $13.8 million to drive talent development and formulate public policy recommendations across these nations.
The CHIPS Act of 2022 established the ITSI Fund to strengthen semiconductor supply chains crucial for U.S. industry.
Meanwhile, Arizona State University was selected by the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs to lead efforts to enhance semiconductor assembly, testing, and packaging (ATP) in key partner countries across the Americas and Indo-Pacific within the Diversifying Semiconductor Supply Chains program.
This initiative aims to improve business environments, expand the skilled workforce, and refine regulatory frameworks to build a resilient and diverse global ATP supply chain, DTI shared in its news release.
