The Philippines is stepping up its ambitions in the global semiconductor race, with investment czar Frederick D. Go reaffirming government support for the expansion of onsemi, a long-time industry player in the country.
In a high-level meeting with onsemi president and CEO Hassane El-Khoury, Go underscored the Philippines’ strategic role as a manufacturing and innovation hub within the global semiconductor value chain—an increasingly critical sector powering artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and next-generation storage systems.
Go emphasized that the administration of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is focused on building a business environment that enables faster and more competitive expansion for global firms. He said his office is prepared to work closely with investors to streamline processes and accelerate project rollouts, signaling a more aggressive stance in attracting high-value investments.
For onsemi, the Philippines has long been a cornerstone of its global operations. With more than three decades of presence in the country, the company currently employs over 6,000 Filipinos across its local facilities. These sites play a vital role in producing power semiconductor solutions—key components that underpin hyperscale data centers, AI infrastructure, and advanced digital storage technologies.
El-Khoury acknowledged the government’s continued support, noting that it has been instrumental in strengthening onsemi’s footprint in the Philippines. He described the country as an integral part of the company’s global manufacturing network, reinforcing confidence in its long-term prospects.
The renewed partnership comes at a time when nations are racing to secure their positions in the semiconductor supply chain, driven by surging demand for AI-driven technologies and the need for supply chain resilience. For the Philippines, deepening ties with established industry leaders like onsemi not only promises job generation but also positions the country to move further up the value chain—from assembly and testing toward more advanced manufacturing capabilities.
As competition intensifies across Asia, the government’s ability to sustain investor confidence, upgrade infrastructure, and develop a highly skilled workforce will be critical. For now, the message from both sides is clear: the Philippines is not just participating in the semiconductor story—it is aiming to become a more central player in shaping its future.