President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the semiconductor industry in the country will grow as more skilled Filipinos become capable of working as chip manufacturers and integrated circuit (IC) designers.

The President made the statement during a meeting with officials from Amkor Technology, Inc., led by COO Kevin Engel, at the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday.

During the meeting, the President stressed the company’s significant role in expanding the industry.

“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,” he said.

Amkor Technology Philippines, Inc. was established in 1989 and registered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority in December 1995.

The company specializes in manufacturing semiconductor devices and lead types and provides various services, including back grinding, wafer mapping, assembly, and strip testing.

The semiconductor industry accounts for a significant portion of the country’s electronic sector.

In 2024, semiconductors accounted for almost 40 percent or USD29.16 billion of total exports.

The country also hosts renowned semiconductors and electronics companies, including Panasonic Murata, Sumitomo Electric, Samsung, Brother, Canon, Toshiba, and Epson.

During the meeting, Amkor executives supported the Philippines’ bid to expand the semiconductor industry because of the country’s “good workforce.”

“You guys have a very good workforce, and you can continue to grow,” an Amkor Technology official said.

Present during the courtesy call were Engel, Corporate Vice President Mohandass Sivakumar, and President and Country Head for Amkor Technology Philippines Norberto “Bing” Viera. | PND