President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has created an advisory council that will provide strategic guidance and insights to strengthen and enhance the global competitiveness of the country’s semiconductor and electronics industry (SEI).
Under Administrative Order (AO) 31 signed by Marcos on March 28, the SEI Advisory Council will serve as the President’s primary advisory body on matters related to the sector’s development, promotion, and competitiveness.
The Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs will serve as chairperson of the SEI Advisory Council, while the Trade Secretary will be the vice chairperson.
Council members include the secretaries of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the departments of Finance, Energy, Science and Technology, Labor, and Education.
Other members include the chairpersons of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA); the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) director general; and one private sector representative from the semiconductor and electronics industry to be appointed by the President.
According to AO 31, the SEI Advisory Council will oversee the implementation of the Philippine Semiconductor and Electronics Industry (PSEI) Roadmap.
The council is also directed to ensure that the PSEI Roadmap is aligned with the national economic development goals.
“The Philippines holds a vital position in the global semiconductors and electronics packaging value chain with approximately five percent share of the global semiconductor and electronics market,” the AO read.
“To further accelerate the growth of semiconductor and electronics industry, it is essential to develop a strategic roadmap that defines the National Government’s objectives, strengthens the country’s global competitiveness, and ensures effective implementation of policies through a whole-of-government approach,” it added.
In coordination with the SEI Advisory Council, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is directed to develop the PSEI Roadmap, which would serve as a strategic framework to accelerate the growth and global competitiveness of the country’s semiconductor and electronics industry.
AO 31 mandates the council to collaborate with relevant stakeholders from the private sector to ensure multi-disciplinary approach in the development and implementation of the PSEI Roadmap.
The council is also tasked to study the current legal and policy framework related to the SEI.
Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go said the issuance of AO 31 signifies the administration’s commitment to strengthening the SEI, the country’s top export sector.
“This development provides us a platform to supercharge industry growth, drive innovation, and enhance our global competitiveness,” Go said.
“It is part of our broader strategy to advance domestic manufacturing capabilities and move towards higher value-added activities,” he added.
All concerned national government agencies, including government-owned and -controlled corporations, are directed, while all local government units and the private sector are encouraged to support the implementation of AO 31.
The funding requirements needed for the implementation of the AO will be charged against available appropriations of the member-agencies of the SEI Advisory Council, subject to pertinent budgeting, accounting, and auditing laws, rules and regulations.
AO 31, which was made public on Thursday, takes effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation. (PNA)