DTI-BOI Aims to Develop 128K Engineers and Technicians for PH Semiconductor Sector by 2028

The Department of Trade and Industry Board of Investments (DTI-BOI) has set an ambitious goal to produce over 128,000 engineers and technicians by 2028 to bolster the Philippines’ semiconductor and electronics industry.

Key Objectives:

• Development Goal: Produce 128,000 skilled professionals, including micro-engineers, TESDA-certified technicians, licensed engineers, and PhD and masters graduates.
• Targeted Sectors: Semiconductor and electronics industry.

Collaborative Efforts:

DTI-BOI is partnering with various government agencies and the private sector to achieve this goal. Key collaborators include:

• Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD)
• Center for Integrated Circuits and Devices Research (CIDR)

Trade Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo emphasized the need for skilled professionals to advance the semiconductor and electronics sectors.

Educational Partnerships:

Continued collaboration is planned with:

• Department of Education (DepEd)
• Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)
• Commission on Higher Education (CHED)
• Local Government Units (LGUs)
• Academic Institutions

BOI Executive Director Ma. Corazon Halili-Dichosa highlighted the importance of aligning educational programs with industry requirements to ensure a workforce equipped to meet future demands. This includes initiatives targeting students from junior and senior high school to higher education.

Industry Impact:

• Economic Contribution: The semiconductor and electronics industry remains the top contributor to the Philippines’ total exports, accounting for 56.9% or $41.91 billion in 2023.
• Manufacturing GVA: The sector is the third-largest contributor to the country’s manufacturing Gross Value Added (GVA), representing 11% of the total manufacturing GVA.
• Global Standing: The Philippines accounts for 2.7% of the world’s integrated circuits exports and has been among the top 10 exporters for the past decade, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.9%.