Marcos pushing for investment package to make PH as semicon, AI center, Recto says

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wants to fast-track the implementation of projects and incentives that will develop the Philippines as a “semiconductor and AI (artificial intelligence) hub” in Asia, Malacañang said.

In a statement over the weekend, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said Marcos has attached “a high national priority” in drawing in these high-impact industries “so that Filipinos can benefit from great jobs, technology transfer and economic boost.”

Recto made the remarks during a visit to a facility of Texas Instruments in Clark, Pampanga on Friday.

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

"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.

The Executive Secretary also cited Texas Instruments Philippines as “a pioneer and an innovator.”

“Texas Instruments is a strong example of a company that has placed its confidence in the Filipino worker, the Filipino engineer, and the Philippines as a manufacturing and innovation hub,” Recto said.

He also checked the United States-led Pax Silica site at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac. Launched in April this year, it is projected to be the Philippines’ first AI-native industrial acceleration hub.

The 4,000-acre development will be home to semiconductor fabrication facilities, critical minerals processing plants, hyperscale data centers, AI infrastructure, and advanced research facilities.

“Pax Silica presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the Philippines to host industries that will shape the future of the global economy,” Recto said.

He added that over 50 companies, including global technology firms, are interested in investing in Pax Silica, citing data from the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).

The government is tapping the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) as an investment avenue for semiconductor and AI companies, along with the Semiconductor and Electronics Industry Advisory Council (SEIAC) chaired by Recto.

The LEC is a joint infrastructure and economic collaboration with the US and Japan to improve connectivity across Subic Bay, Clark, Manila and Batangas towards boosting trade, investment, and regional development. — JMA, GMA News