Shifting to Innovation: Putting the Philippine Microelectronics Industry at the Forefront of Development

  • M. Tabangcura Advanced Science and Technology Institute, Department of Science and Technology
  • M. Rafacon Advanced Science and Technology Institute, Department of Science and Technology
  • J. Tan Chin Advanced Science and Technology Institute, Department of Science and Technology
  • A. Chio Advanced Science and Technology Institute, Department of Science and Technology
  • W. Descallar Advanced Science and Technology Institute, Department of Science and Technology
  • R. Garcia Advanced Science and Technology Institute, Department of Science and Technology
  • L. Lee Advanced Science and Technology Institute, Department of Science and Technology
  • R. Sarte Advanced Science and Technology Institute, Department of Science and Technology
  • V. Valentus Advanced Science and Technology Institute, Department of Science and Technology
  • Louis P. Alarcon College of Engineering, University of the Philippines Diliman

Abstract

Throughout the world, the electronics industry has become a key factor in development. In 1998 alone, revenues from the industry reached (US)$1,000 Billion and the number continues to grow at a dizzying pace. The semiconductor industry is expected to grow at a rapid rate over the next five years. Because of this, many countries have expressed interest in strengthening the microelectronics base. This goal makes necessary the establishment and forging of a link among the industry, the government and the academe which is the key contributor to research and future advancements.

Annual Semiconductors and Electronics Industry of the Philippines Inc. (SEIPI) reports show a rapid increase in Philippine electronic equipment and components experts, starting from US $2.97B (28% of the total export figure) in 1992 to US 23.83B (67% of total Philippine exports) in 1999. Expert projections for the year 2004 amount to US $47,96B for the microelectronics industry, and the industry is expected to attract investments of US $500 million annually. At present, the country is primarily engaged in semi-finished to finished electronic assembly, printed circuit board assembly, burn-in testing and other labor-intensive manufacturing services. Truly, this is far cry from the agricultural produce that the country was known for just over a decade ago --- a proof that the Philippines is capable of achieving every developing country’s dream of becoming a key player in one of the largest and fastest-growing industries throughout the world.

However, for an industry that is expected to “propel the country’s growth over the next decade”, more should be done to ensure that the Philippine forges ahead to the forefront of technological development. Whereas the country’s manpower and funding is currently being poured into component manufacturing and testing, steps. However, for an industry to is expected to propel the country’s growth over the next decade more should be done to ensure that the Philippine forges ahead to the forefront of technological development. Whereas the country’s manpower and funding is currently being poured into component manufacturing and testing, steps need to be taken to involved the nation’s resources in component and system design.

Published
2021-08-24
Section
Articles