President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued an administrative order establishing the Semiconductor and Electronics Industry Advisory Council to enhance the country’s competitiveness in the global market.
Under Administrative Order No. 31, the newly formed council will develop and implement a strategic roadmap for the semiconductor and electronics sector, a key contributor to the country’s economy.
“The Philippines holds a vital position in the global semiconductor and electronics packaging value chain, accounting for approximately 5% of the market,” the order stated.
The council will be chaired by the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, with the secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry serving as vice chair.
Other council members are the chairpersons of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), the director general of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda), and one private sector representative from the semiconductor and electronics industry to be appointed by the President.
Among its responsibilities, the council will oversee the implementation of the Philippine Semiconductor and Electronics Industry Roadmap, coordinate government policies, and recommend legal reforms to support industry growth.
It will also work with stakeholders on investment strategies, workforce development, and infrastructure improvements.
Funding for the initiative will come from member agencies’ existing budgets, with future allocations subject to the standard government budget process.
The semiconductor and electronics sectors are one of the Philippines’ top export industries, employing thousands and driving economic activity across various regions.
Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go emphasized the administration’s commitment to strengthening the country’s top export sector.
“This development provides us a platform to supercharge industry growth, drive innovation, and enhance our global competitiveness,” said Go.
“It is part of our broader strategy to advance domestic manufacturing capabilities and move towards higher value-added activities,” he added.
Go added that the advisory council would enable the government to implement a whole-of-government approach to facilitate investments that generate thousands of meaningful jobs.