Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque met with executives of Texas Instruments and the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) in Washington DC to bolster investments and job-generating opportunities in the Philippines’ electronics and semiconductor sector.
The high-level discussions took place during a business forum at the Philippine Embassy, jointly organized by the US Chamber of Commerce, US-ASEAN Business Council, and SIA. Roque underscored the Philippines’ vital role in the global semiconductor supply chain and highlighted the country’s readiness to support industry growth.
“Semiconductor is the number one export of the Philippines to the US,” Roque noted in a chance interview in Taguig City on Tuesday. “Every time we talk to them… I’m really looking at expansion, more jobs, and what they need so they can stay and grow in the country.”
During her separate meeting with Texas Instruments—an industry leader in analog and embedded processing chips—the company reiterated its interest in further expanding operations in the Philippines. Roque assured the company of strong government support in areas like talent development, regulatory coordination, and investment protection.
She emphasized that skilled talent remains a key factor in the company’s expansion plans, and the Philippine government is committed to cultivating a robust talent pipeline to support the industry.
Roque also tackled broader trade issues and global competitiveness during her talks with SIA members, aligning with the Marcos administration’s drive to strengthen the Philippines’ position in high-value manufacturing and attract long-term investments.
Joining the business forum were Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go and Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez. The forum coincided with bilateral meetings between Philippine officials and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to discuss reciprocal tariff negotiations.