RP may bag $1-B add’l investment planned by Texas Instruments

The Philippines continues to be the frontrunner, if not the winner already, in the competition to bag the $1-billion new investment of American semiconductor firm Texas Instruments (TI).

TI has been looking at the Philippines and China for its new manufacturing facility.

TI already has an existing $27-million manufacturing facility in Baguio.

However, TI has already expanded four times and reached the full capacity of its manufacturing facility at the Baguio Export Processing Zone.

According to Trade and Industry Secretary Peter B. Favila, Texas Instruments is set to announce its final decision by the end of this month or in January next year.

The Philippines’ chances of bagging the $1-billion investment, Favila cautiously, but optimistically disclosed, remains very good, giving a double thumbs up sign to emphasize his optimism.

Norberto Viera, TI Philippines president, is currently in Dallas, Texas where official announcement of TI’s decision would be made.

However, instead of Subic, TI is opting for a 36-hectare site at the Clark Special Economic Zone.

If TI does choose to invest in Clark, it is expected to generate employment for at least 4,000 workers and would boost the economy of Pampanga as suppliers would follow TI and locate in the area.

Ernesto Santiago, executive director of the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries of the Philippines Inc. (SEIPI), pointed out that the edge of the Philippines over China is that TI’s Baguio plant is the most efficient and the Filipino workers’ skill and efficiency is already well-proven.

The government. Santiago pointed out, is extending an all-out welcome to the American semiconductor firm.

On the other hand, TI still does not have any presence in China, Santiago said, and with the huge market potential of China, TI is keen on establishing a presence there.

Santiago admitted that the global outlook for the semiconductor and electronics industry is very bright so much so that at least 10 local firms have already indicated their intent to expand.