PH pushes IC design growth with talent, industry synergy

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QUEZON CITY — The Philippine government is ramping up efforts to position the country as a global player in integrated circuit (IC) design and semiconductor innovation, with a strong focus on building a sustainable local talent pipeline and industry collaboration.

At the 3rd Center for Integrated Circuits and Devices Research (CIDR) Annual Conference held at Novotel Manila on Aug. 11–12, the Board of Investments (BOI) highlighted its strategic role in shaping the country’s growing microelectronics ecosystem through investments in education, research, and public-private partnerships.

“In a globally competitive industry, investing in our people is crucial. They are the driving force of technological innovation and the nation’s progress,” said Undersecretary Angel Ignacio, who delivered a keynote address on behalf of Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go.

“Advancing our microelectronics design is part of our effort to build a competitive, sustainable ecosystem—one that attracts more investments and creates better opportunities for Filipinos in the long term,” Ignacio added.

“As we do this, we want to give young talents a compelling reason to stay and build their careers in the country, and for others abroad, a reason to come home, land jobs here, and contribute their skills to national development,” he said.

With global semiconductor demand rising and economies working to localize supply chains and reduce foreign dependence, the Philippines is positioning itself as a vital partner by investing in homegrown talent and research capacity.

The conference, themed “Connect. Innovate. Design. Revolutionize,” brought together leaders from government, academia, and industry to accelerate national capacity in microelectronics and IC design.

Dr. Enrico Paringit, Executive Director of the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), said sustained support for research and development is essential.

He described CIDR as a “foundational initiative” in building the country’s IC design capabilities and urged stronger partnerships between universities and private firms to turn Filipino innovations into globally competitive technologies.

“We need to show the world that the Philippines is a capable and competitive partner in the microelectronics sector,” Paringit said.

A highlight of the event was a panel discussion on strengthening the local IC ecosystem through national strategy, talent development, and innovation.

The BOI emphasized the role of its flagship Academe-Industry Matching (AIM!) Program in bridging gaps between the education sector and tech industries to ensure future-ready graduates.

The AIM! initiative focuses on three pillars: Basic Education (K4F), Skills Development (TRANSCEND), and Higher Education (ELEVATE) — all developed in coordination with CHED, TESDA, and DepEd.

By aligning curricula with industry needs and emphasizing practical training, the program aims to better equip Filipino students for high-skill careers in electronics and emerging tech.

Dr. Louis Alarcon, CIDR Program Leader, laid out the program’s long-term roadmap, emphasizing the need to institutionalize IC design education and expand partnerships with both local and international stakeholders.

“We are building a community—not just of researchers, but of innovators, educators, and industry partners,” said Alarcon.

“The CIDR Program is designed to be a platform where Filipino talent can thrive, collaborate, and lead in the global microelectronics space,” he added.

The Philippine semiconductor and electronics industry remains one of the country’s top export earners, accounting for nearly 60% of total exports annually, according to data from the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation Inc. (SEIPI).

With the global chip shortage underscoring the strategic importance of semiconductors, the BOI and CIDR’s joint efforts could pave the way for the Philippines to move up the value chain — from assembly and testing toward design and innovation.