Conferences for Emerging Markets and Technologies

President Marcos Inaugurates the Philippines’ First AI-Ready Data Center

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on April 24 unveiled the Philippines’ first AI-ready hyperscale data center, marking a milestone in the nation’s digital transformation and underscoring Manila’s bid to join the global digital economy.

1 week ago 2 min read

President Marcos Inaugurates the Philippines’ First AI-Ready Data Center

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the VITRO Sta. Rosa (VSR) Data Center in Laguna province, Mr. Marcos described the facility as “proof that the Philippines is future-ready for the digital realm,” and stressed its significance in bolstering data infrastructure, regional growth, and cybersecurity.

“We now have this incredible facility which makes us AI-ready and in the running to compete with our neighbors and partners around the world,” the president said. “That is a very important achievement.”

Developed by ePLDT and VITRO Inc., subsidiaries of PLDT, the VSR center offers 50 megawatts of capacity for cloud, enterprise, and hyperscale workloads. Major technology firms, including Google, Amazon, and Meta, already have a footprint in the local market, and the new center links the Philippines to subsea cable systems running to the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Built to Tier 3 standards with an eleven-layer security system, the facility guarantees no more than 1.6 hours of downtime per year. Its advanced cooling systems and multiple power sources can support more than 5,000 servers, addressing the rising demand for secure, high-speed data processing.

“This mega-infrastructure provides essential protection for sensitive data across the public and private sectors,” Mr. Marcos said. “In today’s world, data is as critical as water and electricity.”

Equipped with Nvidia GPU servers, VSR enables ePLDT to launch a GPU-as-a-Service offering. The service allows industries such as banking, healthcare, logistics, fintech, and government to deploy AI workloads without the steep capital outlay normally required.

National Digital Strategy, Skills and Growth

The president used the occasion to highlight the government’s broader digital agenda, including the National Fiber Backbone Project and the Free Public Internet Access Program. Phase 1 of the fiber backbone, launched in April 2024, aims to boost nationwide connectivity by 2028. To date, free Wi-Fi networks have recorded over 11 million sessions in remote and underserved areas.

Mr. Marcos also touted the Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act, legislation designed to upskill Filipinos for high-value digital jobs. “We are equipping our people with the expertise to thrive in the digital economy,” he said. “Real progress comes from partnership – from trust, commitment, and shared vision.”

PLDT Chairman Manuel Pangilinan, who spoke at the event, projected that the VSR center would spur technology growth, create jobs, and draw further foreign investment. He noted plans to expand capacity to 500 MW as demand warrants.

“As we build this infrastructure for students, entrepreneurs, and workers across the archipelago, we are investing in the future of every Filipino,” Mr. Marcos said. “To our visionary investors, I invite you to explore the potential of Filipino ingenuity. Bring your technology here.”