Businesses today face two significant hurdles. They must keep pace with the skyrocketing demand for Artificial Intelligence (AI) while also ensuring their digital infrastructure remains competitive. PLDT’s VITRO is stepping up to meet these challenges by enhancing its AI capabilities and expanding its digital infrastructure simultaneously.
This dual approach means integrating state-of-the-art GPU servers and building robust data centers that provide high-performance computing power without a hefty price tag. By doing so, VITRO is not only supporting the growing AI-driven workloads but also setting the stage for a broader, more innovative digital ecosystem. These developments are designed to help businesses run complex processes more efficiently, drive innovation, and maintain a competitive edge in a rapidly shifting market.
Let’s break down what this means: PLDT’s VITRO is preparing the infrastructure that businesses need to leverage AI effectively, making advanced computing power accessible and affordable. At the same time, the expansion of digital infrastructure ensures that companies have a reliable foundation to support their digital transformation efforts. This comprehensive strategy is a game-changer—it provides the tools for businesses to innovate and adapt while driving forward a digital revolution that benefits the entire region.
Meeting the AI Challenge Head-On
Modern AI applications need robust, high-performance computing to run complex workloads like machine learning and deep learning. PLDT’s VITRO Inc.—the data center unit of its ICT arm, ePLDT—has just activated a suite of NVIDIA-powered GPU servers at its Sta. Rosa facility in Laguna. This upgrade not only strengthens its AI computing power but also enhances its GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS) offering. Businesses can now access cost-efficient, high-performance computing without breaking the bank.
Victor S. Genuino, president and CEO of ePLDT and VITRO, put it plainly:
“We envision VITRO Sta. Rosa as the Philippines’ AI hub, forming the country’s first AI ecosystem.”
This isn’t just a tech upgrade—it’s a strategic move to create an environment where local and global tech players can innovate and drive digital change.
Scaling Up for Tomorrow
To keep up with the surging demand for AI, the facility is designed to support workloads of up to 100 kilowatts per rack, thanks to advanced power and cooling solutions. With a total capacity of 50 megawatts, the VITRO Sta. Rosa (VSR) data center is built for reliability, scalability, and efficiency. This setup makes sure that as AI workloads grow, the infrastructure can scale along, ensuring businesses always have the power they need to drive innovation.
The Data Center Race in the Asia Pacific
The drive for digital transformation isn’t limited to AI—it’s part of a larger push for data dominance in the Asia Pacific region. The Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) predicts a remarkable five-fold increase in data center capacity within the Philippines over the next five years. PLDT and its ICT arm, ePLDT, are at the forefront of this race, holding a 65% market share and planning further expansion to position the country as the regional hyperscaler hub.
A recent 2023 Q1 market report by S&P Global Market Intelligence highlighted a 13% compound annual growth rate in the nation’s data center operational space from 2020 to 2025. This growth comes as hyperscalers expand and global enterprises show keen interest in tapping into the Philippines’ digital potential.
During webinars hosted by S&P Global in mid-June, industry leaders like Dan Thompson, Gary Ignacio, and Roselle dela Cruz shared insights on these shifts. Their discussions painted a picture of a nation ready to embrace digital transformation, with PLDT playing a key role in turning the Philippines into the next digital market destination in Southeast Asia.
Building the PH Digital Infrastructure
Recognizing the need for a solid digital backbone, PLDT is making significant investments in both international and domestic infrastructure. Their top priority is ensuring the country has the right digital framework to support growth. Initiatives such as the Jupiter Cable System, the ongoing Asia Direct Cable System, and future plans for the Apricot Cable System are set to boost data transmission speeds and expand connectivity across the region.
The JUPITER Cable System (main trunk) was ready for service in May 2021, its Philippines Branch ready for service in July 2022.
Alongside these cable systems, an extensive fiber rollout and expanding 5G networks are helping to create a seamless digital ecosystem. This robust infrastructure not only supports faster and more reliable data flows but also lays the foundation for the growth of digital economies throughout the region.
Gary Ignacio, Chief Data Center Officer at ePLDT, emphasizes the significance of these investments:
“It is PLDT and ePLDT’s top agenda to ensure we have the right digital infrastructure that the country needs.”
By strengthening both the physical and digital networks, PLDT is setting the stage for a future where the Philippines becomes a key player in the global digital economy.
VITRO Sta. Rosa: The First Hyperscale Data Center in the Philippines
Taking the digital leap further, ePLDT is constructing its 11th data center, VITRO Sta. Rosa, the country’s first true hyperscale data center. Spanning a five-hectare property with a 50MW capacity, this state-of-the-art facility meets Rated-3 certification and Rated-4 readiness standards, ensuring unmatched reliability and uptime.
Sustainability is also a key focus. VITRO Sta. Rosa is built to adhere to LEED standards and operates at a 1.4 Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE)—the lowest realistic PUE for data centers in the Philippines. This eco-friendly approach not only reduces energy consumption but also supports a greener future for the industry.
Looking Ahead: A Digital Powerhouse in the Making
ePLDT isn’t stopping here. With ongoing construction of VITRO Sta. Rosa and plans for a 12th data center, the company is well-prepared to meet the rising demands from hyperscalers and enterprises alike. The country’s potential is immense—rich in natural resources, talent, and now, a strategic digital position. As Roselle dela Cruz puts it:
“The Philippines is a rich country, not just in natural resources, culture, talent, but it is also in a unique strategic geographic position to be the next gateway to Asia from a digital infrastructure standpoint.”
By collaborating closely with both private players and government bodies, PLDT and ePLDT are paving the way for the Philippines to emerge as the next digital hub in Asia. The synergy between powerful AI infrastructure and an expanding data center network is set to reshape the region’s digital landscape, driving growth, innovation, and a smarter tomorrow.
Conclusion
PLDT’s VITRO is at the heart of a digital revolution in the Philippines. By combining cutting-edge AI capabilities with an ambitious expansion of data center infrastructure, they are addressing today’s challenges and setting the stage for a future where the country is a leading digital powerhouse in the Asia Pacific region. The journey toward a smarter, more connected future is well underway—and the Philippines is ready to lead the charge.
