TLDR: PLDT has officially launched VITRO Santa Rosa (VSR), the Philippines’ first AI-ready hyperscale data center. This 50-megawatt facility, developed by ePLDT subsidiary VITRO Inc., is designed to handle intensive AI workloads and offers GPU as a Service (GPUaaS) to enterprises. The initiative aims to position the Philippines as a regional hub for digital innovation and accelerate AI adoption across various sectors.
PLDT, the Philippines’ largest fully integrated telecommunications company, has officially inaugurated VITRO Santa Rosa (VSR), the country’s pioneering AI-ready hyperscale data center. The state-of-the-art facility, located in Laguna’s rapidly developing tech corridor, is a significant stride in the nation’s digital transformation journey, designed specifically to power demanding Artificial Intelligence (AI) workloads and foster digital innovation across the region.
Developed by VITRO Inc., a subsidiary of ePLDT and PLDT’s dedicated data center arm, VSR boasts an impressive 50-megawatt capacity. It is already hosting live NVIDIA-powered GPU servers, which are crucial for ePLDT’s innovative AI Stack solution. This service provides enterprises with on-demand access to powerful computing resources, eliminating the need for substantial upfront investments in advanced AI infrastructure.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan led the inauguration, highlighting the center’s strategic importance. President Marcos emphasized that VSR signals the Philippines’ readiness to attract major global technology companies and enhance its regional competitiveness in the digital sphere. He stated, ‘More than that, this technological development is an investment in the future of every Filipino.’
Pangilinan reiterated PLDT’s commitment to expanding the country’s data center capabilities, with plans to reach up to 500 megawatts. ‘We have to be at least equal to the capacity of Malaysia… you have our pledge, Mr. President, to make the Philippines a data center hub,’ he affirmed.
Operational since July 2024, VSR serves as a critical hub for telecom providers, various enterprises, and global cloud technology companies. It establishes a new benchmark for secure, high-performance, and AI-ready infrastructure within the Philippines. The introduction of GPU as a Service (GPUaaS) is a first in the country, enabling sectors such as banking, fintech, healthcare, logistics, and government to develop and scale AI applications more rapidly, securely, and cost-effectively.
Branden Dean, PLDT and Smart Vice President for IT Intelligent Automation Technologies, elaborated on PLDT’s broader AI strategy at the P&A Grant Thornton Economic and Industry Forum. He underscored how AI is revolutionizing customer connectivity and operational efficiency, stating, ‘Connectivity today goes beyond access—it is about intelligence, agility, and personalization.’
Dean outlined several applications of AI within PLDT, including predictive analytics to anticipate network issues, AI-powered virtual agents for enhanced customer care, and robotic process automation (RPA) platforms to streamline workflows, reduce costs, and boost efficiency. He also acknowledged ongoing challenges such as legacy systems, cybersecurity threats, and the need to strengthen digital adoption and upskill the workforce.
VSR is seamlessly integrated into PLDT’s extensive nationwide fiber network and connected globally through international subsea cable systems, including Jupiter, Asia Direct Cable, and the upcoming Apricot. Its carrier-neutral design ensures robust network diversity and resilience by allowing connections to multiple telecommunication providers.
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This significant investment by the PLDT Group in data centers and connectivity aligns with its mission to bridge the digital divide, expand access to technology, and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 9 on industry, innovation, and infrastructure. The project is expected to bolster the Philippines’ ambition to become a leading regional hub for digital innovation, attract foreign investment, and foster local technological development.
