Gov't to put up P350-M analysis lab for electronics

MANILA, Philippines - The government is setting up a P350-million advanced failure analysis laboratory this year to enhance the competitiveness of the semiconductor and electronics industry.

Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo said the laboratory, which local manufacturers could use to test their products, is targeted to start operation by December.

In a symposium organized by the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines, Inc. (SEIPI), Montejo said, the technology-based initiative could benefit the manufacturing sector.

Apart from this facility, Montejo said his department is working with the Electronics Industries Association of the Philippines Inc. (EIAPI) for the establishment of a product development facility.

He said electronics developers could start making and testing a prototype.

“We encourage them to pursue their ideas. The goal is to make that prototype as competitive as if you will represent it maybe to Hong Kong or to Taiwan or to other countries that have similar facilities. So we are benchmarking the cost of the service comparable to our most advanced neighbors,” he said.

Moreover, Montejo said the creation of a tool and die assembly would also boost the electronics sector.

With this, he said the country would have the capability to make components for local assembly comparable in quality and cost as those coming from most advanced neighbors.

“Whatever the capability of Taiwan and Hong Kong, we should strive to reach that in three years. That is our objective,” Montejo said.

He considered the government’s support to enhance the competitiveness of the semiconductor and electronics industry. – Philexport News and Features