Presented during the 4th Meeting of the Semiconductor and Electronics Industry Advisory Council (SEIAC) on March 23 at Malacañang, the roadmap positions the Philippines as a premier global packaging partner, targeting $70 billion in semiconductor exports and $40 billion in electronics exports by 2030. A five-year workforce plan will also train and upskill 128,000 semiconductor professionals to meet the industry’s evolving technical demands.

Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto, who chairs the Council, reaffirmed the Marcos administration’s commitment to implementing the roadmap’s priority actions. He highlighted the semiconductor and electronics sector—responsible for nearly 60 percent of the country’s export earnings and employing around three million Filipinos—as a critical driver of economic growth and job creation.

“It is an employment leader and economic winner essential to national progress,” Recto said.

Following the Council’s endorsement, BOI Executive Director Ma. Corazon Halili-Dichosa detailed the roadmap’s strategic vision and the government support needed to achieve its objectives.

Developed by DTI in coordination with industry stakeholders, research institutions, and partner government agencies, the PSEI Roadmap identifies interventions across the semiconductor value chain—from advanced packaging and integrated circuit (IC) design to long-term front-end manufacturing capabilities. The plan also includes establishing up to three national semiconductor laboratories, each with specialized research, fabrication, R&D roadmaps, and talent development frameworks.

DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque stressed the importance of the roadmap in sustaining the Philippines’ leadership in semiconductor exports.

“Semiconductors are our number one export, and we want to keep growing that. The PSEI Roadmap tells us exactly what we need to do—and who needs to do it,” Roque said.
“The more this sector grows, the more jobs it creates for our people.”

Roque added that the roadmap provides a framework for moving up the value chain—from packaging to IC design and, eventually, wafer fabrication.

“The biggest driver of that transition is not just promotion but policy reform, and this roadmap identifies exactly the reforms we need to make it happen,” she said.

The Council also flagged the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairmanship as an opportunity to highlight the country as an emerging semiconductor hub in the region. Recto directed strict monitoring of the roadmap, including setting deadlines, assigning responsibilities, and identifying reforms requiring legislation, executive action, or budgetary support.

“Otherwise, it is just paper with ambition printed on it,” Recto said.

The Feb. 27–March 2 poll, conducted by Pulse Asia and released Thursday, found that 41% of respondents want leaders to address “more affordable food prices in your area such as rice, meat, and fish.” This marks a 3-point increase from December 2025, with Balance Luzon (41% → 46%) and Mindanao (40% → 46%) showing the largest upticks. The shift was most pronounced among Class E respondents (+7 points, 33% → 40%).

Meanwhile, 26% cited the need to “lessen or eliminate corruption to provide better community services,” down 5 points from 31% in the previous survey—coinciding with the winding down of flood control scandal investigations.

Interest in job creation also rose, with 24% calling for “more jobs and livelihood opportunities,” up from 21% in December. The increase was most notable in Visayas, where support jumped 27% → 43%.

Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit, Stratbase Institute president and CEO, said the results highlight growing concern over food security and inflation, as Filipinos now pay P94–P115 per liter of fuel following recent double-digit price hikes.

“Geopolitical tensions are directly impacting Filipino households,” Manhit said. “While corruption remains an important issue, ordinary citizens are more focused on immediate economic pressures, including food prices and income stability.”

The findings align with a separate Pulse Asia survey showing inflation (47%) and corruption (36%) as the top national concerns.

Manhit urged the government to stabilize food and fuel prices, crack down on profiteering, and expand state subsidies to shield vulnerable sectors from shocks.

“Addressing rising food prices must go hand in hand with creating jobs and ensuring that economic gains reach local communities,” he added.

Other concerns in the Stratbase survey include “providing accessible education and healthcare services” (10%, unchanged from December 2025).

The survey coincided with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, prompting Tehran to close the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of the world’s oil passes, pushing oil prices above $100 per barrel. The resulting fuel hikes in the Philippines have raised fears of inflation spilling over to essential goods.

The survey polled 1,200 respondents with a ±2.8% margin of error.

Preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed exports expanding by more than 20% for three consecutive months in the last quarter of the year. The sustained rise reflects stronger global demand for Philippine-made goods and a broader recovery in domestic production, with higher export orders supporting factory operations, agricultural output, and employment across key sectors.

Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina A. Roque said the strong export performance highlights the resilience and competitiveness of Filipino workers and enterprises in global markets.

“When our products reach international shores, the benefits flow directly back to our communities,” Roque said. “Building on this strong finish, the DTI will intensify efforts to help exporters access more markets and simplify the export process, so the gains from global trade translate into more jobs and better opportunities for Filipino families.”

Exports reached $6.99 billion in December 2025, a 23.3% increase year on year and the third straight month of expansion. For the full year, total exports climbed to $84.41 billion, up 15.2% from $73.27 billion in 2024, marking a clear rebound in external trade.

Electronics remained the country’s largest export driver, accounting for $4.04 billion or 57.8% of total exports in December. Demand for components used in artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and smart devices sustained production in economic zones and supported high-value technical and manufacturing jobs.

Manufactured goods totaled $5.59 billion, driven by industrial chemicals and advanced components, while agro-based exports reached $732 million, led by bananas and coconut products. Mineral products contributed $515 million, with nickel shipments reinforcing the country’s role in the global clean energy supply chain.

The export upturn has had ripple effects across multiple sectors. In manufacturing and technology, steady electronics demand has helped maintain operations and employment in export-oriented hubs. In agriculture, increased banana shipments to Japan and South Korea, alongside growing global demand for coconut products, have boosted incomes for farmers in rural areas. Meanwhile, rising nickel exports have attracted renewed interest in mining-related investments and infrastructure linked to clean energy production.

The United States remained the Philippines’ top export market in December, accounting for $1.10 billion or 15.7% of total exports, followed by Hong Kong, Japan, China, and Singapore.

The Department of Trade and Industry said the latest figures show Philippine exporters are well-positioned to benefit from improving global market conditions. To sustain momentum, the agency said it is closely monitoring global trade developments and potential tariff changes, particularly affecting specialty electronics.

The DTI added that continued reforms under the Ease of Doing Business program, along with expanded market access initiatives, underpin its optimistic outlook for 2026, as the government seeks to sustain export growth and ensure that the “Tatak Pinoy” brand delivers tangible gains for workers, industries, and local communities.

The Energy sector led approvals, with ₱970.09 billion in investments for power generation and related infrastructure projects. It was followed by Mass Housing (₱241.65 billion) and Transportation and Storage (₱230.06 billion), reflecting continued investments in logistics, mobility, and connectivity. Manufacturing (₱62.16 billion) and Information and Communication (₱26.56 billion) completed the top five sectors.

Local investments dominated, totaling ₱1.41 trillion. The National Capital Region led with ₱383.71 billion, followed closely by the Cordillera Administrative Region (₱373.39 billion) and CALABARZON (Region IV-A) (₱257.83 billion). Bicol and Central Luzon rounded out the top five regions.

Foreign investment approvals reached ₱149.45 billion, led by Singapore (₱80.37 billion), followed by the Netherlands (₱33.29 billion), Thailand (₱7.75 billion), the United States (₱6.91 billion), and Switzerland (₱4.33 billion).

Secretary Roque highlighted that sustaining investment approvals above ₱1.5 trillion for two consecutive years reflects policy credibility and strong investor confidence.

“Surpassing ₱1.5 trillion for two straight years and recording the second-highest approvals in history underscores the Philippines’ growing competitiveness and the sustained trust of both local and foreign investors,” she said.

Looking ahead, key growth sectors include renewable energy, electric vehicle components, semiconductors and electronics, smart manufacturing, digital infrastructure, high-tech agriculture, and data center development. Secretary Roque emphasized that rigorous evaluation ensures projects are technically sound, regulatory-compliant, and aligned with long-term development goals, ultimately generating quality jobs, technology transfer, and sustainable economic growth.

With these latest approvals, total investments sanctioned this year have reached ₱977 billion, signaling strong investor confidence and the Philippines’ position as a competitive destination for strategic and sustainable investments.

The projects cover priority sectors including renewable energy, infrastructure, transport and logistics, IT-BPM services, housing, manufacturing, and tourism-related developments, highlighting broad-based economic activity as the year comes to a close.

A significant portion of the total investment value comes from large-scale clean energy initiatives, such as wind, solar, waste-to-energy, and battery energy storage facilities in Luzon and the Visayas. These projects are expected to strengthen the country’s power supply while supporting national objectives on energy security, sustainability, and climate resilience.

Key transport and connectivity investments include next-generation aircraft for domestic and international routes, as well as maritime transport assets to improve inter-island mobility. These projects aim to enhance trade, tourism, and regional connectivity.

Meanwhile, IT-BPM and digital services projects in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, the Cordilleras, and Cebu are projected to generate the bulk of employment, creating thousands of high-quality jobs in customer support, technical services, remote staffing, and managed services, further reinforcing the Philippines’ reputation as a global services hub.

Complementing these are housing and real estate developments, which expand access to economic and affordable housing while generating jobs in construction and allied industries. Leisure and recreation projects included in the endorsements are also expected to stimulate local economies and support community development.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said the sustained pace of investment endorsements reflects the government’s focus on translating approvals into tangible economic outcomes.

“The steady flow of endorsed investments shows that we remain fully engaged in creating jobs and sustaining economic momentum. Our priority is ensuring that these investments generate real opportunities for Filipino workers and communities,” Roque said.

She added that while approvals have reached ₱977 billion, several high-value projects remain in the pipeline and are undergoing evaluation, which are expected to further boost overall investment performance as the year ends and into the next.

The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring that investment pledges translate into job creation, stronger industries, and long-term economic impact for Filipinos.

According to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary and Board of Investments (BOI) Chair Ma. Cristina A. Roque, “DTI is truly making it happen for Filipinos. These figures reflect the strong inflow of high-value investments that strengthen our economy. But we will not slow down. The ₱816.81 billion in approved investments to date sends a clear signal to local and foreign investors: the Philippines is an ideal, competitive, and future-ready business destination.”

With two weeks remaining in 2025, Secretary Roque added that the BOI is still assessing 10 more big-ticket, strategic projects worth over ₱1 trillion, including three hydroelectric projects with a combined capacity of 2.4GW, four offshore wind projects totaling 3.7GW, two air transport service projects, and one transport infrastructure project.

“As a prudent administrator of incentives, we carefully evaluate these projects according to the Strategic Investment Priorities Plan and its guidelines. While we are working double-time, we cannot guarantee all will be approved for registration this year. What this does signify, however, is that the pipeline of strategic investments remains strong,” Secretary Roque added.

The ₱1.92 trillion Green Lane-certified projects to date are expected to generate 161,325 direct jobs across multiple sectors. Renewable energy leads with ₱1.42 trillion across 60 projects, followed by public-private partnership infrastructure and water projects worth ₱416.08 billion, digital infrastructure at ₱49.56 billion, manufacturing with ₱30.13 billion, food security projects totaling ₱4.33 billion, and pharmaceuticals at ₱45 million.

Since its launch in February 2023, the Green Lane initiative has certified 229 projects worth ₱6.06 trillion, projected to create 396,822 jobs, underscoring its critical role in attracting strategic, future-ready investments.

Meanwhile, the ₱816.81 billion in BOI-approved projects for January to November 2025 are expected to generate 32,864 direct jobs. The largest share of these approved investments went to energy and electricity projects with ₱479.78 billion (58.74%), followed by airports and seaports at ₱195.69 billion, manufacturing with ₱58.99 billion, mass housing at ₱37.55 billion, and information and communication projects worth ₱21.27 billion.

The DTI remains committed to positioning the Philippines as a prime investment destination through a whole-of-government approach. These milestones highlight growing opportunities in electric vehicles, smart manufacturing, semiconductors, renewable energy, high-tech agriculture, and data center infrastructure.

All major digital economy pillars in the country are now growing at double-digit rates. E-commerce remains the largest contributor to the Philippines’ GMV, representing more than 60% of the total market. AI-powered platforms are reshaping customer journeys, making shopping more personalized and frictionless. A standout finding is the explosive rise of video commerce, now used by around 475,000 sellers and stores—up 90% from last year—resulting in 1.2 billion transactions, a 35% increase from 2024. This fast-growing segment is driven strongly by fashion and accessories, which contribute 28% of video commerce GMV, and beauty and personal care, which account for 23%.

The travel sector continues to rebound across Southeast Asia, recording an 11% climb to $51 billion in GMV and $24 billion in revenue across flights and accommodations. In the Philippines, online travel posted a 14% increase, reaching $4 billion GMV in 2025. Elevated fares, broader recovery in tourism and country-led promotions have all contributed to this growth. Visa policies and international campaigns remain influential in shaping Filipino travel routes and destinations.

Online media is also expanding steadily. Regional GMV jumped 14% largely due to rising ad expenditure—which grew to 16% from 14% the previous year—and the continued strength of gaming, now at 6% from 5%. The Philippines is one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing online media markets with a 16% year-on-year expansion, alongside Vietnam and Indonesia.

Digital financial services continue to scale rapidly across the region, posting 19% growth in digital payments, 18% in digital lending, 24% in digital wealth and 16% in digital insurance. The Philippines mirrors this momentum, particularly in digital wealth, which surged by 36% to reach $2 billion in assets under management, while digital insurance grew by 27% to reach $0.1 billion in AUM and gross written premiums. The country also ranks as the second-fastest-growing digital payments market in Southeast Asia, up 20% with a gross transaction value of $150 billion, trailing only Indonesia.

Transport and food delivery are likewise sustaining their upward trajectory. Across the region, food delivery GMV grew 14% to $22 billion with revenue rising 18% to $2.4 billion, while transport GMV increased 16% to $11.1 billion with revenue up 17% to $1.8 billion. The Philippines, together with Vietnam, leads these categories with 20% growth—an acceleration driven by more efficient logistics, improved transport availability and AI-driven personalization aimed at sustainable profitability.

A major theme of this year’s report is the Philippines’ rapid and widespread adoption of artificial intelligence. The country is one of only five Southeast Asian markets ranking among the top 20 globally in interest in multimodal AI—solutions capable of processing text, images, audio and video simultaneously. AI use is becoming deeply embedded in everyday digital behavior, with 78% of Filipino users relying on AI-powered tools to discover content and simplify tasks. Nearly half cite time savings in research and comparison as their primary motivation for using AI features.

The Philippine workforce is also embracing AI upskilling at one of the fastest paces in the region, with enrollments in generative AI courses expanding 4.8 times, second only to Vietnam’s 5.2 times growth. About 77% of Filipino workers have taken steps to learn AI tools, demonstrating a proactive stance toward future work readiness.

Commercial adoption is accelerating as well. Apps emphasizing AI features have seen revenues climb 79%, with users upgrading for benefits such as time and money savings, better deal discovery and enhanced fraud protection. Notably, 94% of Filipinos say they are willing to share data access—including browsing behavior and social connections—with AI agents, reflecting a high level of trust and perceived value.

Prep Palacios, Country Manager of Google Philippines, notes that the country’s momentum reflects a deep and systemic digital shift. “The Philippines is a digital powerhouse, sustaining its double-digit growth and firmly on track to hit $36 billion in GMV by 2025. This momentum is not a temporary spike; it’s a sustained, systemic transformation driven by innovative platforms, a tech-positive regulatory environment, and uniquely AI-curious Filipino consumers with real spending power. With digital adoption accelerating nationwide, the real story is that our digital economy is becoming truly ubiquitous. The imperative now is to strategically leverage this momentum so that more Filipinos are equipped to benefit from AI,” she said.

Bennett Aquino, Partner at Bain & Company, emphasizes the resilience of the region’s digital landscape. “Southeast Asia’s digital economy has shown extraordinary growth and remarkable resilience despite periods of investor caution and shifting macroeconomic conditions. The Philippines remains one of the region’s fastest-growing digital economies, fueled by strong momentum in e-commerce, transport and food delivery, and supported by a digitally confident population. With rising AI adoption, the opportunity now lies in how businesses harness AI as a catalyst for long-term value creation while navigating the country’s unique structural realities,” he said.

As the Philippines moves toward the $36 billion GMV milestone, the e-Conomy SEA 2025 Report signals a clear message: the country is entering a new era where digital acceleration and AI readiness are no longer future ambitions—they are economic realities reshaping how Filipinos shop, travel, work and live.

Signed through Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 104 on October 24, the directive instructs all government agencies to prioritize locally made products and services in their procurement processes. Under the new policy, local suppliers may be awarded contracts if their bids are within 25 percent of the lowest foreign offer, ensuring that public spending directly supports Filipino enterprises.

Led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Tatak Pinoy Strategy provides a unified framework for industrial transformation anchored on five key pillars: people, infrastructure, technology and innovation, investments, and sound financial management.

DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque, who chairs the Tatak Pinoy Council, said the Strategy offers fresh opportunities for local industries and MSMEs to scale, innovate, and compete globally.

“The TPS empowers our MSMEs and industries to innovate with purpose, produce with pride, and compete globally with confidence. We thank the President for his swift approval of this landmark policy that will boost our economy and generate more jobs for Filipinos,” Roque said.

Developed through 27 nationwide consultations, the TPS identifies nine priority sectors with strong potential to drive inclusive, sustainable growth and advance industrial development. It also operationalizes the Tatak Pinoy Act (Republic Act No. 11981) and supports the goals of the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028.

For more details or to access the full document, visit the DTI website or contact the DTI-TPS Office via email at TatakPinoy@dti.gov.ph
or through its social media channels.

Grab Philippines and MOVE IT, in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), have officially launched the Asenso Center, the first livelihood hub of its kind in the country and Grab’s Southeast Asia network.

The one-hectare facility is designed to professionalize the onboarding of platform workers and entrepreneurs, accelerate AI-driven income opportunities, and streamline access to social protection programs such as SSS, Pag-IBIG, and PhilHealth. It also provides microinsurance and welfare coverage through Chubb and AXA, offering a holistic support ecosystem for digital workers.

Grab Philippines Country Managing Director Ronald Roda said the Asenso Center transforms the company’s on-ground insights into tangible empowerment.

“Grab is one of the Philippines’ most mature platform work ecosystems, giving us a ground level understanding of what Filipino platform workers and micro-entrepreneurs truly need to thrive,” Roda said. “The Asenso Center opens dignified, digitally powered livelihoods, equips our partners with practical AI copilots, and helps families convert opportunity into income at scale.”

Meanwhile, DICT Secretary Henry Aguda underscored the vital role of the gig economy in improving the lives of Filipino families, calling Grab and MOVE IT partners the “frontline of the digital economy.”

“In every trip you take, there’s a child who gets to eat, tuition that gets paid, and medical bills that are settled, that’s what real change looks like,” Aguda remarked. “You are the frontline of the digital economy.”

Aguda also emphasized the importance of public-private collaboration in achieving the DICT’s vision of creating millions of digital livelihoods across the country.

Apart from this, Secretary Aguda made a notable suggestion by encouraging Grab Philippines to consider going public through an initial public offering (IPO), emphasizing that such a move would open more avenues for Filipinos to invest and co-own a company that directly empowers people through job creation and inclusive participation in the gig economy.

“An IPO for Grab Philippines would allow the public to take part in its success story,” Aguda said. “It’s a chance for ordinary Filipinos to invest in a company that not only drives innovation but also transforms lives by creating sustainable digital livelihoods.”

A Flagship for Professionalized AI Driven Livelihoods

The Asenso Center supports Grab’s commitment to create 500,000 livelihood opportunities under its partnership with the national government. The company has already reached 73 percent of its five-year goal and is on track to exceed the target ahead of schedule.

Merchant participation is also on the rise, with the number of Community Merchants increasing by 30 percent year on year as more local MSMEs formalize their businesses online.

The facility integrates AI enablement into partner development through mobile-first tools such as the Merchant AI Assistant and AI Driver Companion, both designed to help partners work more efficiently and responsibly.

“Used responsibly, AI becomes a force multiplier — an exponent on every hour of work online,” Roda explained. “Our goal is to make enterprise-grade tools accessible through a smartphone, raise standards of safety and service, and broaden participation in the growing AI economy.”

Among those using the Merchant AI Assistant is Marvin Catimbang, Chief Operating Officer of Coffee Blanc and a GrabFood 5-Star Eats Merchant Partner, who said the tool automates daily tasks and helps analyze consumer insights critical to business growth.

Viable Earnings and Accessible Protection

Grab said platform productivity is structured so that active partners working at least eight hours a day can achieve family-sustaining income levels with many surpassing this threshold depending on demand, service type, and time of day.

MOVE IT rider partner and community leader Nica “Khang” Brieta shared how her earnings have supported her education and family.

“Dahil po sa kita ko sa MOVE IT, napag-aral ko po ang aking sarili pati ang aking kapatid. Nasisiguro ko rin na natutustusan ko ang medikal na pangangailangan ng aking anak. Sa MOVE IT, empowered kaming mga kababaihan na makipagsabayan sa kalsada para kumita nang patas para sa aming mga pamilya.”

For his part, MOVE IT General Manager Wayne Jacinto emphasized that professionalization and protection must go hand in hand.

“From safety training and service standards to modular benefits and on-trip coverage, the Asenso Center helps driver partners build sustainable, future proof livelihoods,” he said.

The Asenso Center also integrates social protection enrollment directly into its onboarding process, enabling partners to register for SSS, Pag-IBIG, and PhilHealth while opting for private insurance coverage. For top performing partners, Grab and MOVE IT subsidize Pag-IBIG contributions and provide free life insurance in addition to standard on-trip protection.

Grab’s responsible AI framework follows four guiding principles: improve safety, protect privacy, keep people in control, and make learning simple — reinforcing its commitment to ethical innovation.

“AI should reward effort, not replace it,” Roda concluded. “Our role is to lower the barrier to entry into the AI economy, protect user trust, and ensure that Filipino workers and MSMEs capture the full benefit of digital transformation.”

The Philippines’ resilient economy, reform momentum, and skilled workforce have positioned the country as one of the most attractive destinations for long-term investment in Asia, according to Dr. Sadek Wahba, Chairman, Founder and Managing Partner of I Squared Capital, who announced a US$2-billion investment to expand sustainable cold storage operations in Bulacan.

“The Philippines offers one of the most promising growth stories in the region,” Dr. Wahba said, citing the country’s projected 4.6% to 5.7% growth rate this year, its narrowing fiscal deficit, and the steady progress in structural economic reforms.

He added that compared to other emerging markets in Southeast Asia and Latin America, the Philippines stands out because of its strong fundamentals and the government’s clarity of purpose. “In many countries, people debate endlessly about policy direction. Here, there’s already alignment — the challenge is no longer what to do, but how to execute effectively, mobilize capital, and sustain growth,” Dr. Wahba explained.

He also emphasized that continued infrastructure development—particularly in airports and logistics—will be crucial to maintaining the country’s growth trajectory and competitiveness.

Addressing the high energy demands of cold storage operations, Dr. Wahba said I Squared Capital is adopting AI-based energy management systems and expanding the use of renewable power solutions across its global operations. “Across our network, we’ve integrated smart systems that optimize power consumption. Around 20% of our facilities already operate on rooftop solar,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Joey Tongson, CEO of Royale Cold Storage (RCS), said the upcoming Bulacan facility will feature solar generation paired with battery storage technology, enabling clean energy use even after daylight hours. “This ensures that our operations remain efficient, sustainable, and aligned with global energy transition goals,” Tongson said.

Dr. Wahba further described the Philippines as a “rising force in the global infrastructure landscape.” He said their investment underscores I Squared Capital’s long-term confidence in the country’s reform-driven growth and potential to become a strategic hub for the Indo-Pacific region.

“Through our US$2-billion commitment spanning energy, digital infrastructure, logistics, and food systems, we believe the Philippines can serve as a model for sustainable and inclusive investment across the region,” Dr. Wahba concluded.

I Squared Capital, a global infrastructure investment firm operating in over 17 countries, has been channeling funds into high-impact sectors that drive food security, logistics modernization, and clean energy adoption. The Bulacan cold storage expansion is expected to strengthen the Philippines’ agricultural value chain and boost the country’s food security capabilities.