Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte is pushing for an increased collaboration between the education sector and the semiconductor and electronics industry to provide ample opportunities for students and continuous growth for the industry.

Vice President Sara Duterte delivers her sppech during the 18th Philippine Semiconductor and Electronics Convention and Exhibition (PSECE) at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. (Inday Sara Duterte/Facebook)

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Oct. 31, the official shared her message during the recently-held 18th Philippine Semiconductor and Electronics Convention and Exhibition (PSECE) at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, where she also urged industry experts and leaders to “actively engage” in the current review of the curriculum for Grades 11 and 12.

She said this “presents a valuable opportunity to shape the education of our learners in preparation for the future of the semiconductor industry.”

“By participating in this process, you can contribute to ensuring that the curriculum aligns with the needs and demands of the industry. This will enable our learners to acquire the necessary skills, knowledge, and competencies to excel in the semiconductor sector, fostering their personal growth and preparing them to be valuable assets in the workforce,” the official furthered.

While Duterte highlighted the contributions of the industry to the Philippine economy, as well as in the creation of jobs and the flourishing of local businesses in the same sector, she also underscored more “potentials” within the industry and the “vital role” that education plays in that regard.

“First, educational institutions can enhance their curriculum by collaborating with industry experts and stakeholders to ensure that it is always a step ahead of the evolving needs of the industry,” she said, adding that education will equip students with “relevant knowledge and skills” to excel in the field.

The official then furthered the need for “industry-academia collaboration” because partnerships between educational institutions and the semiconductor industry will lead to joint projects, workshops, and internship where students can “gain practical exposure and experience.”

Moreover, education can promote entrepreneurship in the industry.

“Providing mentorship, access to incubators, and networking opportunities can empower aspiring entrepreneurs to establish their own ventures, contributing to the industry's growth,” she said.

She added that education will also emphasize the importance of investing in research and development (R&D) as this would facilitate collaborative research projects between academia and industry, educational institutions that can “contribute to advancing technology, improving product quality, and developing new solutions.”

“Additionally, education should encourage a culture of continuous learning and professional development among students and industry professionals, ensuring that they stay updated and continuously upskill to contribute to the industry's growth,” Duterte added.