photo from Vitro's Facebook
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. officially inaugurated the VITRO Santa Rosa (VSR) Data Center on Wednesday, marking a significant advancement for the Philippines’ digital landscape.
The facility is set to transform how data is stored and accessed in a country eager to expand its digital infrastructure beyond Metro Manila.
The launch event at the new data center elicited a sense of optimism and collaboration, with the President emphasizing the importance of public-private partnerships in driving the nation’s technological advancement. “Our job in the government is to create the conditions for growth. But real progress comes from partnership—from trust, commitment, and a shared vision,” said President Marcos, portraying a united front in the journey toward an inclusive and tech-driven future for the Philippines.
The VITRO Santa Rosa Data Center represents a significant technological investment and a strategic leap toward positioning the Philippines as an emerging digital economy.
As President Marcos aptly described, “The Filipino workforce is the greatest asset,” inviting potential investors to seize opportunities in a burgeoning digital landscape.
The data center is engineered to be hyperscale-capable, providing secure digital data storage and access and enhancing the nation’s resilience in data management.
A critical feature of the VSR is its connection to important urban hubs like Makati, Parañaque, and Pasig via the VITRO Data Center Interconnect (DCI), ensuring seamless network reliability and scalability.
The infrastructure development signifies a vital step toward bridging the digital divide, with the President heralding the center as a symbol of the country’s readiness for a future driven by technology.
In his remarks, the President stressed the essential nature of data in contemporary society, likening it to the lifeblood of water and electricity.
“We need to strengthen further our digital infrastructure, especially for critical, private, and confidential data. We need to safeguard our digital identity. We need to secure our digital future,” the Chief Executive said, drawing attention to the urgency of enhancing cybersecurity and data protection mechanisms.
The launch also celebrates the Philippines’ remarkable strides in digital innovation, with the nation recently climbing the Global Innovation Index to the 53rd spot out of 133 economies.
While marking this achievement, the President affirmed the government’s commitment to continued growth through initiatives like the National Fiber Backbone Project and expanded free public Wi-Fi access to enhance connectivity for all Filipinos.
The focus on preparing the workforce for future jobs through the Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act highlights a proactive strategy for equipping citizens with in-demand skills.
As President Marcos toured the cutting-edge facility, he was joined by key figures such as Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque and PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan. Their presence highlighted the collaborative spirit driving the project alongside VITRO Inc. and local government representatives, including Santa Rosa Mayor Arlene Arcillas.
The VITRO Santa Rosa Data Center is a testament to innovation, resilience, and the collective ambition to steer the Philippines toward a future defined by digital empowerment.
As the country navigates the complexities of a tech-driven world, initiatives like this reaffirm a commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and economic growth, marking the dawn of a new digital era for the nation.
The call for collaboration reverberates—an invitation for all sectors to unite in shaping a thriving digital economy where the talents and capabilities of every Filipino are harnessed to create a brighter tomorrow.
The journey toward a robust digital environment has begun, and it promises to be an exciting one. | PIA
