Manila: The Philippines semiconductor sector is set to receive a significant capacity boost as Onsemi, a manufacturing firm with several sites in Luzon and the Visayas, announces its expansion plans. Finance Secretary Frederick Go shared details of his recent meeting with Onsemi president and chief executive officer Hassane El-Khoury in the United States.
According to Philippines News Agency, Onsemi, formerly known as ON Semiconductor, has been operating in the Philippines for the past three decades and currently employs over 6,000 employees across its manufacturing plants in Cavite, Tarlac, and Cebu, along with a service center in Alabang, Muntinlupa City. El-Khoury acknowledged the contribution of the firm's local operations to the Philippines' role in supporting global demand for foundational power chips, which are essential for hyperscale data centers, artificial intelligence infrastructure, and advanced storage systems.
Go expressed gratitude for the expansion initiative and highlighted the Philippine government's support for reinvestment and expansion by existing foreign investors. He emphasized the Marcos Jr. administration's commitment to fostering a conducive environment for businesses to expand efficiently and competitively, and assured that his office is prepared to assist in accelerating expansion plans in the Philippines.
Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque, in a separate announcement, highlighted additional support for the Philippine Semiconductor and Industry roadmap through a newly formed partnership between the Philippines and the United States. This collaboration aims to establish the first-ever AI-native industrial acceleration hub, as announced by the US Embassy in Manila last week. The proposed 4,000-acre hub is planned for construction in Clark, leveraging the Luzon Economic Corridor.
Roque noted that the AI-native industrial acceleration hub will enhance the country's semiconductor and electronics industry roadmap by linking critical minerals with established strengths and opening pathways toward higher-value and advanced manufacturing. She emphasized the Philippines' role as a vital player in the global electronics and semiconductor value chain, with expectations that the initiative will significantly increase Philippine exports in terms of volume, sophistication, value, and strategic relevance.
The Philippines accounted for approximately 25.41 percent of global nickel exports in 2024, supported by domestic reserves estimated at around 444 million metric tons. Additionally, the country's mineral exports rose to USD7.62 billion last year, up from USD6.20 billion the previous year.
