By Darryl John Esguerra
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed optimism about the continued growth of the Philippines’ semiconductor industry, citing the increasing availability of skilled Filipino workers capable of filling roles in chip manufacturing and integrated circuit (IC) design.
Marcos issued the confidence-boosting remarks in a meeting with executives from Amkor Technology, Inc., led by chief operating officer Kevin Engel, in Malacañang, Manila on Tuesday.
The discussions highlighted Amkor’s pivotal role in furthering the development of the country’s semiconductor sector.
“Your continued involvement in the Philippines is something that certainly we would like to encourage as we are trying to move our semiconductor industry up the value chain from pure fabrication to design,” Marcos said.
Amkor Technology Philippines, Inc., which has been operating since 1989 and registered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority in December 1995, specializes in manufacturing semiconductor devices.
The company plans to relocate some of its manufacturing operations from China to the Philippines, further cementing the country’s role as a critical hub for semiconductor production.
The semiconductor sector remains one of the largest contributors to the country’s electronics industry, accounting for nearly 40 percent of total exports in 2024, valued at USD29.16 billion.
Earlier this year, the President called on concerned government agencies and key stakeholders to prioritize the growth of the semiconductor and electronics industry, highlighting its substantial potential to boost the economy.
Amkor Technology officials expressed its support in expanding the local semiconductor industry, citing the strength of the country’s “very good workforce” and its potential for growth.
The Philippines hosts several prominent semiconductor and electronics companies, including Panasonic Murata, Sumitomo Electric, Samsung, Brother, Canon, Toshiba and Epson.
Also present at the meeting were Amkor executives Mohandass Sivakumar, corporate vice president; and Norberto Viera, president and country head. (PNA)
