A landmark Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative aimed at accelerating the digital transformation of Philippine basic education and strengthening local manufacturing is moving forward, as Allied Manufacturing Corporation Asia Pacific Pty Ltd, in collaboration with Google, has confirmed plans to establish a local Chromebook manufacturing facility in Camarines Sur (CamSur).
The proposed facility will be located in the CamSur Uptown Global City, a master-planned development of the provincial government under Gov. LRay Villafuerte that is in the process of being declared a Philippine Export Zone Authority (PEZA)-registered economic zone.
Allied’s project with Google is targeted to begin initial operations this 2026 and will focus on the local assembly of Chromebook laptops and related education technology devices for deployment in public schools nationwide.
The initial five-hectare information technology (IT) park allocated for Allied Manufacturing at the CamSur Uptown Global City can be scaled up to 100 hectares (ha) to 200 ha to accommodate more high-tech and electronics manufacturing companies, including data centers, that are likely to set up shop there later.
The planned facility in CamSur reflects growing investor confidence in the Philippines under the leadership of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., whose administration has consistently emphasized inclusive growth, education reform, countryside development and job creation.
This project aligns with President Marcos’ economic and social agenda to revitalize Philippine manufacturing, strengthen human capital, and ensure that investments translate into tangible benefits for Filipino families—particularly outside Metro Manila.
The planned Chromebook facility will cover approximately 5,000 square meters (sq m), with an initial production capacity of 100,000 units per month, scalable to 200,000 units per month
Reforms such as the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE-MORE) Law and the Tatak Pinoy Act, and sustained improvements in ease of doing business have contributed to renewed investor interest in high-impact, future-ready industries.
Villafuerte, who co-authored both CREATE-MORE and the Tatak Pinoy Act when he was still a congressman, welcomed the planned investment as he reaffirmed the province’s commitment to fully support this transformative project in CamSur.
“This planned investment is a strong vote of confidence in the Philippines under the leadership of President Bongbong Marcos, and in CamSur as a growth center for education, technology, and manufacturing,” Villafuerte said.
“It reflects the President’s vision of inclusive growth—where investments generate jobs, strengthen education, and uplift communities across the regions,” Villafuerte added.
Villafuerte emphasized that the CamSur provincial government is offering a comprehensive incentive and support package to ensure the project’s rapid and cost-efficient rollout.
“We fully welcome and strongly support Allied Manufacturing’s decision to locate its Chromebook manufacturing facility in CamSur,” Villafuerte said, as he underscored the importance of the project to local education development.
Villafuerte further said that, “Our province is committed to provide land within the CamSur Uptown Global City, low and preferential lease rates, manpower sourcing and skills training, as well as both fiscal and non-fiscal incentives.”
“We thank Allied Manufacturing and Google for trusting the Philippines and for choosing CamSur as their partner in this transformative project,” Villafuerte said.
Villafuerte noted that, “This is how national leadership and proactive local governance come together to deliver jobs, education reform, and inclusive growth for our people.”
“This initiative strengthens our commitment to digitizing and upgrading public education in CamSur,” he said. “By hosting this facility in our province, we are directly contributing to better learning outcomes for our students and better tools for our teachers.”
Local permits will be fast-tracked through a special-purpose green lane to be established exclusively for Allied Manufacturing.
Locally assembled Chromebooks are expected to be available for deployment to public schools by the third quarter of 2026.
This incentive is in addition to national incentives under the CREATE MORE Law and other investment frameworks.
The planned Chromebook facility will cover approximately 5,000 square meters (sq m), with an initial production capacity of 100,000 units per month, scalable to 200,000 units per month.
Each production shift is expected to employ around 110 full-time equivalent technicians, generating direct employment and supporting skills development in electronics and advanced manufacturing.
Additional indirect jobs are expected across logistics, supply chains, repair, and after-sales services.
The manufacturing initiative complements an unsolicited PPP proposal submitted by Allied Corporation Asia Pacific, together with Google and PLDT, covering the provision of education devices, a Learning and Asset Management System, and internet connectivity for 1,000 public schools as a pilot program, with potential expansion to all 47,972 public schools nationwide.
“This project represents far more than the establishment of a manufacturing facility—it is a long-term commitment to Philippine education, regional development, and inclusive growth,” said Aron Saether-Jackson, CEO of Allied Corporation Asia Pacific.
Said Saether-Jackson: “By partnering with Google and working closely with the national government, the DepEd and the provincial government of CamSur, we are building a resilient local manufacturing capability that supports Filipino jobs while delivering world-class technology to public schools across the country. Locally assembling Chromebooks allows us to strengthen supply chains, accelerate deployment, and ensure that learners—especially in regional and underserved communities—have access to reliable digital tools that will prepare them for a globally competitive future.”
Installation of key plant and equipment is targeted to begin by the second quarter of 2026, with full manufacturing operations expected shortly thereafter, subject to regulatory approvals.
Locally assembled Chromebooks are expected to be available for deployment to public schools by the third quarter of 2026.
Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara expressed strong support for the project, highlighting its alignment with DepEd’s reform agenda to improve education quality through access to modern learning tools and devices.
“Improving the quality of education requires not only better teachers and curriculum, but also access to the right tools and technology for our learners,” Angara said. “This partnership allows us to provide reliable, modern devices that support effective teaching and learning in our public schools.”
Angara emphasized that locally manufacturing education devices will help address long-standing challenges in access, equity, and sustainability.
“By assembling education devices locally, we strengthen our supply chain, reduce delays, and ensure that our schools—especially those in far-flung areas—are not left behind in the digital transformation of education,” he said.
“This is a critical step in leveling the playing field for Filipino learners,” he said.
