Wanted: More semicon engineers

MANILA, Philippines —  The Board of Investments (BOI) is working with the semiconductor and electronics industry to address the declining number of enrollees in engineering courses as the country aims to develop 128,000 engineers and technicians to support the sector by 2028.

In a press briefing, BOI executive director Corazon Dichosa said the agency and the semiconductor industry want to address the decline in enrollees in specific engineering courses.

“The main strategy here is looking at the industry’s specific requirements and then mapping out the interventions, particularly at the high school level,” she said.

Dichosa said the BOI is tapping academic institutions, notably higher education institutions, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, which has programs that develop technicians.

“Our members are saying there’s not enough supply (of engineers),” Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation Inc. president Dan Lachica said.

He said there is a perception that engineering courses are difficult, making them a less attractive choice for students.