Department of Finance secretary Frederick D. Go met with Hassane El-Khoury, president and CEO of Arizona-based semiconductor company onsemi, to discuss expanding the firm’s operations in the Philippines, with a focus on job creation and growth in the semiconductor sector.
The meeting, held in Washington DC, highlighted the Philippines’ role in the global semiconductor value chain and its position as a base for the company’s manufacturing network. onsemi has operated in the country for more than 30 years and employs over 6,000 workers.
El-Khoury said the company’s Philippine facilities are key to meeting global demand for power chips used in data centers, artificial intelligence (AI), and storage systems.
“Virtually every technology that requires the conversion of electricity for data processing or storage relies on onsemi chips,” El-Khoury said.
He added that the company’s local operations also support production of sensing and power solutions used in aerospace, defense, security, and automotive applications, including systems for electric and autonomous vehicles.
onsemi said government support has been a factor in its continued investments in the country.
“The continued support of the Philippine government has enabled onsemi to establish a strong presence in the Philippines as an integral part of our global manufacturing network,” El-Khoury said.
The company is pursuing a “brownfield” expansion strategy, scaling up operations in sites where it already has an established manufacturing footprint, which could position the Philippines for additional investments.
Go said the government is working to support expansion plans of existing investors.
“The Marcos Jr. administration remains committed to creating an enabling environment where businesses can expand efficiently and competitively,” Go said. “My office stands ready to assist businesses in accelerating their expansion plans in the Philippines.”
He also cited ongoing reforms, including the CREATE MORE Act, aimed at improving investment predictability and strengthening high-value manufacturing.
Both sides expressed confidence in the continued growth of onsemi’s Philippine operations.
