Amid a nationwide effort to enhance integrated circuit (IC) design capabilities, the government private sector vented out concerns about the decreasing enrollment in engineering courses, particularly in software and information technology (IT) engineering.
Semiconductor and Electronics Industry in the Philippines, Inc. (SEIPI) president Danilo Lachica, in a forum Wednesday, highlighted the need to address the critical shortage to support the government’s ambitions to produce 128,000 engineers by 2028.
“Based on recent data, with about 80,000 to 100,000 graduates, only 10 percent are engineers. At this rate, we will be hard-pressed to deliver the government projection of 128,000 engineers by 2028,” Lachica said.
The Board of Investments (BOI) is working closely with the Department of Education (DepEd), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to create a comprehensive roadmap.
BOI managing director Ceferino Rodolfo said that the main focus is to encourage junior and senior high school students to consider careers in engineering, highlighting the numerous opportunities within the semiconductor industry.
Various initiatives are in place to bolster the engineering talent pool. TESDA is developing specialized programs to train technicians, while DOST is offering scholarships to attract and nurture IT-savvy graduates.
Additionally, campus advocacy campaigns are being conducted to raise awareness about the promising career prospects in the semiconductor sector.
The Philippines’ semiconductor industry is poised for significant growth, with the government actively courting investments in IC design and manufacturing.
“However, to fully capitalize on this potential, a robust workforce of skilled engineers is essential,” Rodolfo said. The current shortage of qualified engineers could hinder the country’s progress in this crucial sector.
