Photo credit: PCO

Looks like the future is bright for the Philippines’ semiconductor industry. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is confident that the sector will continue to grow as more skilled Filipinos step up as chip manufacturers and integrated circuit designers.

During a meeting at Malacañan Palace on Tuesday, the President met with Amkor Technology, Inc. officials, led by COO Kevin Engel. He emphasized Amkor’s key role in pushing the industry forward.
“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 Jr. said.

A Growing Industry with Global Players

For those who don’t know, Amkor Technology Philippines, Inc. has been around since 1989 and is registered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA). The company specializes in making semiconductor devices and offers services like wafer mapping, assembly, and testing.

Exciting news—Amkor is planning to shift some of its manufacturing from China to the Philippines, a move that could further boost the local semiconductor scene.

This sector is a major player in the country’s economy, making up almost 40% of total exports in 2024, amounting to a whopping USD 29.16 billion. Big names like Panasonic Murata, Samsung, Canon, and Toshiba also have a presence here, proving the Philippines is a strong contender in the global semiconductor market.

Filipino Talent as the Driving Force

One of the biggest reasons the Philippines is attracting more semiconductor investments? The skilled workforce.
“You guys have a very good workforce, and you can continue to grow,” an Amkor official said during the meeting, showing their confidence in Filipino talent.

With the government and major industry players on the same page, the future of semiconductors in the country looks promising. If all goes well, we might just see the Philippines emerge as a major semiconductor hub in the coming years.