Google sets tech complex

Google it. Those Chromebooks may soon be proudly Pinoy-made.

A landmark Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative is moving forward. Allied Manufacturing Corporation Asia Pacific Pty. Ltd., in collaboration with Google, confirmed to Nosy Tarsee plans to establish a local Chromebook manufacturing facility in Camarines Sur.

The facility will be located in CamSur Uptown Global City, which 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 year. It will focus on the local assembly of Chromebook laptops and related education technology devices for deployment in public schools nationwide by the third quarter of 2026.

The initial five-hectare information technology (IT) park could be scaled up to 100 to 200 hectares to accommodate more high-tech and electronics manufacturing companies, including data centers, that are likely to set up shop later.

The planned facility in CamSur reflects the growing investor confidence in the Philippines under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., whose administration has consistently emphasized inclusive growth, education reform, countryside development and jobs creation.

Local permits will be fast-tracked through a dedicated green lane established exclusively for Allied Manufacturing. This is in addition to national incentives under the CREATE MORE Law and other investment frameworks.

The Chromebook facility will cover approximately 5,000 square meters, with an initial production capacity of 100,000 units per month, scalable to 200,000 units.

Each production shift is expected to employ approximately 110 full-time technicians, creating direct jobs and supporting skills development in electronics and advanced manufacturing.

Additional indirect jobs are expected across logistics, supply chains, repair, and after-sales services.

The project complements an unsolicited PPP proposal submitted by Allied Corporation Asia Pacific, together with Google and PLDT, to provide 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.

Installation of the key plant and equipment is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2026, with full manufacturing operations expected shortly thereafter.