The USAID-UNILAB Foundation launched its fourth advanced manufacturing institute (AMI) in Mactan, Cebu, partnering with Teradyne Philippines, a leading provider of advanced testing and automation solutions. This new institute is the first of its kind in the Visayas region.

The said partnership intends to upskill 17,573 Cebu-based workers in Advanced Manufacturing and Industry 4.0 skills. This collaboration will expand AMDev’s course offerings by adding four specialized modules: Visual Inspection and Soldering, Fundamentals of Automated Testing Equipment (ATE), Robotics, and Project Management.

US Embassy Economic Section, USAID, UNILAB Foundation, AMDev Alliance Partners, and Teradyne executives are joined by Regional Directors of TESDA, DTI, and DOST and the local government of Lapu-Lapu City at the unveiling of the AMI Marker.

Teradyne, a global leader in semiconductor testing solutions founded in 1960, operates a branch in the Cebu Light Industrial Park (CLIP) through its partnership with Alliance Partner Investments and Capital Corporation of the Philippines (ICCP).

“Workforce development is one of the pressing challenges facing the manufacturing industry. Initiatives like this will be crucial to build a robust, future-ready pipeline of skilled workers,” says Mayor Junard Chan in his message of support. 

Following the AMI launch, the Visayas-Mindanao leg of the AMDev Higher Education Institution (HEI) Forum convened education and industry leaders, including UNILAB International Vice President Limuel Razo, CISTEM President Al Serafica, and Fastech Advanced Assembly Inc. President Allan Timonera.

The forum focused on AMDev’s potential to enhance higher education curricula in the Visayas and Mindanao. Joining the panel were Cebu Institute of Technology (CITU) President Engr. Bernard Villamor and SEIPI Vis-Min Chairman and GEMS Director of Cebu Operations Engr. Mandy Gareza, whose discussion focused on the challenges faced by academia and explored how industry and government can collaborate through AMDev.

AMDev also forged a partnership with CITU as a key academic collaborator in Cebu, leveraging CITU’s expertise in engineering and technology by creating advanced and industry-based courses.

Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Development Alliance (AMDev) program inked collaboration with Cebu Institute of Technology University as one of its first academe partners in the area. (Standing from L-R): Advanced Manufacturing Skills Council (AMSC) Director Sasa Siriban, CITU VP for Administration John Gregory B. Escario, CITU External Affairs Director Dr. Larmie Felizcuso; USAID Office of Education Director Michelle Chen, Project Specialist Henry Grageda; AMDev Chief of Party Dan Lachica; (Sitting from L to R) CITU President Engr. Bernard Villamor, and UNILAB Foundation Operations Director Claire Papa.

CITU, renowned for producing top-performing graduates, is actively expanding its course offerings and collaborating with industry and government partners to upgrade its campus facilities and align them with industry standards.

“By working together, we can create specialized micro-credentials that enhance workforce capabilities. Expanding the network of HEIs nationwide will build a strong foundation of learning hubs, cultivating a skilled and flexible labor pool,” expressed Danilo Lachica, AMDev Chief of Party.

In 2023, the Philippine Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Survey, conducted by AMDev, highlighted critical gaps in the basic competencies of the local workforce, declining skills proficiency, and a slow adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies.

US Economic Counselor Phil Nervig delivers the message of support on behalf of the US Government

As Cebu’s economy rapidly expands, with a growth rate of 13.2% since 2022, an urgent need arises for enhanced training and policy reforms to address these challenges.

To date, AMDev has successfully trained 4,637 individuals, including 566 senior high school students, making them more employable and competitive in the global marketplace.