Marcos leads launch of Philippines first AI-ready data center

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos yesterday led the launching of the country’s first hyperscale and artificial intelligence (AI)-ready data center in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

The 500-megawatt VITRO Sta. Rosa Data Center was developed by VITRO Inc., a subsidiary of ePLDT under the PLDT Group.

“As a powerful tool in the digital age, this mega-infrastructure provides essential protection for sensitive data across the public and private sectors,” Marcos said in a speech.

He was joined at the event by Information and Communications Technology chief Henry Aguda, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, PLDT Inc. chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, ePLDT and VITRO Inc. president Victor Genuino and Sta. Rosa Mayor Arlene Arcillas.

Marcos noted that data is as critical as water and electricity in today’s world.

“We need to strengthen our digital infrastructure, especially for critical, private and confidential data. We need to safeguard our digital security. We need to secure our digital future,” Marcos said.

He gave assurance that the country has enough power to support hyperscale data centers.

Pangilinan said the PLDT Group intends to expand the data center’s capacity to up to 500 megawatts.

“Secretary Henry wants it done in three years. All he has to do is issue us a department order and we’ll comply,” Pangilinan said. “We pledge that to you, Mr. President: we have to be at least equal to the capacity of Malaysia. We will do that under your government.”