Executive Secretary Ralph Recto backed Toshiba’s planned expansion of its hard disk drive manufacturing operations in the Philippines, a move that could create 3,000 additional jobs and further strengthen the country’s role in the global data storage supply chain.
Recto discussed the expansion with Toshiba Corporation Senior Executive Vice President Koji Ikeya during a meeting at Malacañang recently.
“We are glad to hear that your investments in the Philippines are doing very well.”
“We are rooting for you. We are glad to hear that your investments in the Philippines are doing very well. Your success here gives us more reason to push this expansion forward,” he told Toshiba executives.
Ikeya underscored the strategic importance of the Philippines to Toshiba’s global operations and signaled the company’s strong interest in further expanding its manufacturing footprint in the country.
Recto hailed Toshiba’s move as a “vote of confidence for the Philippines,” more so that it is made by a global manufacturing powerhouse. He assured that the government is prepared to work with Toshiba and other major investors to turn expansion plans into new factories, more investments, and better-paying jobs for Filipinos.
Recto stressed that attracting high-technology manufacturing is central to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s push to position the Philippines as a competitive hub for artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and other industries of the future.
“This is exactly the kind of investment we want.”
“This is exactly the kind of investment we want—one that brings technology, expands our manufacturing base, strengthens our role in global supply chains, and, most importantly, creates thousands of jobs for Filipinos,” he said.
Recto said the government wants the Philippines to capture more of this growth, citing the Luzon Economic Corridor as a key platform for attracting advanced manufacturing and technology investments. The corridor links Subic Bay, Clark, Metro Manila, and Batangas and is focused on transport, energy, digital infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing supply chains.
For Toshiba, the Philippines’ established manufacturing ecosystem, skilled workforce, existing production facilities, and continuing government support provide a strong foundation for further investment.
Recto assured the company that the Marcos administration wants successful investors not simply to stay in the Philippines, but to grow with the Philippines.
Also present during the meeting were Undersecretary Erwin Sta. Ana and Philippine Economic Zone Authority Director General Tereso Panga.
