Incoming college students in the Philippines should consider an engineering course in their future.
The country’s semiconductor and electronics industry is facing a huge dilemma: a decline in engineering graduates. Stakeholders are urging young Filipinos to consider careers in this sector, which contributes over half the country’s export revenue.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Executive Director Ma. Corazon Dichosa recently highlighted a decline in engineering course enrollment. Stakeholders like the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation (SEIPI) shared concerns, pointing out that the Philippines graduates far fewer engineers annually compared to competitors like Vietnam.
“What we’re trying to address also is –looking at the number of graduates we have right now in engineering,” Dichosa explained. “One of the findings that we have is there’s actually a decline in enrollees in specific engineering courses.”
The government is taking steps to address this challenge. DTI is collaborating with the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education, which aims to bolster interest in engineering through targeted programs.
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is also developing initiatives to upskill and reskill existing technicians to meet industry demands.
Additionally, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) offers scholarships for MST courses, making engineering education more accessible for students seeking financial aid.
DTI emphasized the lucrative opportunities available in the sector. With multinational semiconductor and electronics companies establishing operations in the Philippines, graduates can expect competitive salaries and promising career paths.
Source: PNA
