The Philippines joins five other countries in benefiting from a US Department of State-backed $13.8-million program that focuses on developing the country’s semiconductor workforce and public policy under the International Technology Security and Innovation Fund (ITSI Fund). STOCK / FILE

The Philippines joined five other countries in benefiting from a US Department of State-backed $13.8-million program that focuses on developing the country’s semiconductor workforce and public policy under the International Technology Security and Innovation Fund (ITSI Fund).

“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,” Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo said Wednesday, September 25.

The Philippines is one of six countries selected, along with Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

In line with this, the Philippines is set to launch a series of workshops which are designed to develop a skilled workforce and create a supportive policy environment to attract investment and innovation in the semiconductor industry.

“These efforts are in alignment with the ITSI Fund’s goals to diversify and expand global conductor Assembly, Testing, and Packaging (ATP) capabilities, ensuring a robust and resilient supply chain,” according to a statement.

READ: Talent shortage, geopolitics weighing on PH semiconductor sector

Organized by the US Department of State and Arizona State University (ASU) in collaboration with the Board of Investments, the sessions will assess the Philippines’ strengths and challenges in the semiconductor sector and develop action plans to improve its capabilities.

Among the stakeholders identified to participate are the DTI, office of the Special Assistance to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, local government officials, and academic representatives.

The impact of this program goes beyond the semiconductor industry – it is a driving force for the entire Philippine economy, DTI Secretary Cristiba Roque said.

Roque stressed that the country is on track to becoming a leading destination for semiconductor manufacturing and innovation.

READ: Philippines urged to double output of chip sector

According to government data, exports of electronic goods dropped by 11.9 percent to $3.25 billion in July from $3.69 billion a year ago. Despite this, electronic products remain to be the country’s top export in terms of value, accounting for more than half of the total.

Among electronic products, semiconductor exports fell by 22.6 percent to $2.37 billion.

Meanwhile, ASU also kicked-off an online portal that offers free courses to students interested in the semiconductor sector. The platform likewise provides opportunities for faculty members to receive certification in semiconductor technology, acting as a hub for individuals and institutions eager to engage with the field.

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“This partnership creates invaluable opportunities for students and professionals in the Philippines to acquire advanced skills in semiconductor technologylcc,” said Jeffrey Goss, principal investigator of the ITSI Program at ASU.

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