President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday pushed for prioritizing the development of the semiconductor and electronics industry by giving more incentives to semiconductor manufacturers in the country and ensuring the workforce’s continued skills development.

The President made the call in a meeting with the Private Sector Advisory Council – Education and Jobs Sector Group in Malacañang.

The PSAC-EJSG presented updates on its recommendations and proposals regarding the development of the semiconductor and electronics industry, education, and the workforce.

“We really need to push on the semiconductor industry. It’s because, again, it’s not something that we had in mind but the situation — considering how much money we make as the income we get from exports already,” he said.

Marcos added: “We really should be focusing on it more. So, let’s do that now. So, we need to hear from the industry to see what you suggest, and what we can try to incorporate na nga.”

He said there should be incentives given to semiconductor locators, similar to incentives given to other manufacturing industries.

He noted that in Republic Act 12066 or the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act, there is nothing specific for the semiconductor industry while other industries like car manufacturing were given incentives.

“We’ll do it through the IRR siguro. Kasi it took us such a while to get the CREATE MORE in the first place. Kaya naman siguro kasi it’s just another incentive scheme,” the President said.

He added: “So, what we would need from all of you is what you think needs to be done.”

In a post on his Facebook and Instagram accounts on Wednesday, Marcos also touted the government’s plans for the semiconductor and electronics industry, hailing it as a “key driver of our economy.”

“Its success starts with education. We will work on aligning skills training and workforce development with industry needs to create opportunities for our graduates and drive growth that benefits every Filipino,” the President added.

During the meeting, the PSAC-EJSG recommended the review on the IRR of the CREATE MORE Law, which would cover providing incentives for the semiconductor industry.

The PSAC-EJSG also presented the country’s semiconductor and electronics roadmap to Marcos. It also recommended the creation of a National Education and Workforce Development Plan which the President supported.