By Ara Jamica R. Reparejo | June 23, 2026

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE (PIA) — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed concerned government agencies to fast-track projects and investment incentives aimed at attracting more semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI) companies to the Philippines, as part of efforts to generate quality jobs and accelerate economic growth.  

‎During a visit to the Texas Instruments facility in Clark, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said Marcos has placed “a high national priority” on attracting investments in these high-impact industries to enable Filipinos to benefit from employment opportunities, technology transfer, and increased economic activity. 

‎“The President’s order is to move forward the assets we have into making us a semiconductor and AI hub in Asia,” he stated. 

‎Recto underscored that the investment drive seeks to capitalize on the country’s skilled workforce and strong semiconductor and electronics industry, which accounts for about two-thirds of Philippine exports.

‎“We want more factories rising here. We want more breakthroughs and innovations developed here. We want more Filipino engineers, technicians, and researchers building their futures here,” he added. 

‎Among the government’s initiatives is the leveraging of the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) as a key investment channel for semiconductor and AI companies. 

‎The LEC is a joint initiative with the United States and Japan that aims to strengthen connectivity among Subic, Clark, Manila, and Batangas to boost trade, investments, and regional development. 

‎In addition, the government is also activating the Semiconductor and Electronics Industry Advisory Council to help advance industry development and investment promotion efforts. 

‎These plans support the Philippine semiconductor and electronics industry’s goal of increasing electronics exports to US$110 billion by 2030 through expansion into higher-value segments such as integrated circuit design, advanced packaging, and semiconductor manufacturing. 

‎Meanwhile, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority reported that more than 50 companies have expressed interest in investing in the Pax Silica site, envisioned as the country’s first AI-native industrial acceleration hub, signaling growing confidence in the Philippines as a destination for advanced technology investments.

This initiative aligns with government efforts to leverage the Luzon Economic Corridor as a key investment channel for semiconductor and AI companies and strengthen the country’s position in advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies. (CLJD/AJRR, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)