Manuel V. Pangilinan-led PLDT Inc. is planning to expand its data center capacity to 500 megawatts (MW) as it gears up to make the Philippines an attractive market for tech giants seeking data storage.
Pangilinan issued this sentiment on Wednesday, April 23, during the official unveiling of the VITRO Sta. Rosa, which is under PLDT’s data center arm VITRO Inc.
VITRO Sta. Rosa, the country’s first artificial intelligence (AI)-ready data center, has the capacity to carry 36 MW at full capacity. The hyperscaler center is VITRO’s 11th data center.
With a focus on upgrade and expansion, Pangilinan said his company intends to expand its capacity up to 500 MW, which is roughly equal to Malaysia’s capacity.
Based on local media, Malaysia ended 2024 with 54 operational data centers, surpassing 500 MW capacity.
“You have our pledge, Mr. President, to make the Philippines a data center hub,” Pangilinan told President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who graced the event.
VITRO President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Victor Genuino said Pangilinan’s ambitious goal is likely on the horizon given the country’s existing and future energy infrastructure.
Genuino cited the Meralco Terra (MTerra) Solar Project as a key force behind this vision as the 3,500-hectare solar plant and battery storage facility can deliver up to 3,500 MW of solar power and 4,500 MW-hour of battery energy storage.
He said the country has a robust submarine cable connectivity that is competitive compared to its Southeast Asian peers. The country boasts 18 submarine cable stations, only second to Singapore’s 25.
“Countries and companies are looking for diversity around the South China Sea. That's why they land here in the Philippines,” he explained.
Further, Pangilinan told reporters that VITRO is currently finalizing plans to build its 12th data center in General Trias, Cavite.
The Cavite data center will feature five modules that can carry 20 MW capacity, for a total of 100 MW.
It was reported last year that VITRO is in the site selection process for its 13th and 14th data centers.
Big tech wanted
With a plan to transform the Philippines into a data center hub, VITRO is on the lookout for technology firms that will harness the capacity of its growing network of data centers.
“We know you're already in Malaysia, maybe you can look at the Philippines because we're ready,” Genuino said.
Operational since July of last year, VITRO Sta. Rosa is currently home to local telecom providers, enterprises, and global cloud technology companies.
Genuino noted that the company is looking to capture the demand of tech giants such as Google, Microsoft, and Amazon Web Services (AWS).
“Well, as the President said, we need to work together with the government to bring the hyperscalers in,” he said.
The official said the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), under Secretary Henry Aguda, is particularly keen on inviting these big companies in.
“They know that if hyperscalers enter, that's more investments and economic impact,” added Genuino.
Despite the looming threat of tariffs by the United States (US), Genuino said this should not impact the potential entry of hyperscalers.