Electronics Sector Seen to Serve as Catalyst for PH Digitalization

The electronics sector of the Philippines continues to grow amid the coronavirus diseases 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic and is slated to be a catalyst in the country’s digitalization efforts.

The Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc. (SEIPI) reported during their general membership meeting Friday that the sector grew 8.9 percent in the first quarter of 2021, compared to the same quarter of last year.

Export profit for the electronics industry of the Philippines amounted to USD1.72 billion for the said period.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said during the event that the industry continued to drive growth for the country despite the challenges brought about by the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) of 2020.

The trade chief also noted that the electronics manufacturing industry continued to fully operate at a 100 percent capacity even during the height of the pandemic, which contributed to the growth the sector experienced during the quarantine period.

“The quick bounce back of the electronics sector cushioned the impact of the pandemic to our exports sector, and is now driving its further growth,” Lopez said.

The trade chief then added that the electronics sector will play a big part in the country’s effort for digitalization.

“The exemplary performance of the electronics sector in the midst of a crisis is the ability, resilience, and agility that we need to cascade to other industries, especially as our country rides the wave of digital transformation. This digital transformation will fundamentally change the way we live, work, and do business,” Loped said. (GFB)