Philippines to Manufacture Apple Products in Addition to China, as Result of ASEAN Summit’s Success

Philippines will soon be manufacturing Apple products, such as iPhones and iPads. This is after Apple, Inc. had a close-door meeting with Foxconn Technology Group, a company in Shenzhen, China that manufactures most of the Apple iPads. Apparently, this is one of the positive results of the successful 31st ASEAN Summit held in the country early this week.



In a press conference led by Apple CEO Tim Cook this Friday, November 17, he said the company has finally decided that some iPads will be made in the Philippines, as Apple’s latest manufacturer of Apple products. Nevertheless, he emphasized that China will still continue its production, because of the very high volume of orders from around the world.

“We have been receiving tons of positive feedback about Filipinos working in factories in many parts of the world. And not only that, their new government is enforcing strict discipline to its citizens who we all know are already hardworking people.” Tim Cook told reporters, adding that he was very impressed with the result of the recent ASEAN Summit.

On the same event, Henry Macgyver, Apple’s director for operations, said that the new Apple facility will be at the Light Industry and Science Park IV (LISP) in Malvar, Batangas. Construction of the first building is set to start in March 2018 and expected to be completed in December 2018. It will need around 6,000 workers for its initial quarter of production.

Recalling the highlights of the 31st ASEAN Summit, both US President Donald Trump and People's Republic of China Premier Li Keqiang have met with President Rodrigo Duterte. It is said that the China-Philippine relationship has been closer despite the issue of South China Sea. On the other hand, Duterte is starting new and better friendship with the US.



During the opening session last Monday, November 13, Southeast Asian leaders including Duterte signed the ASEAN Consensus on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers. It aims to strengthen social protection, access to justice, humane and fair treatment and access to health services for migrant workers in the region.

Contributed by Renato Pasayao