PLDT Inc. said Thursday it is accelerating investments in infrastructure and human capital this year to build an AI-ready Philippines and drive inclusive digital growth across all sectors.
The company said its significant investments in AI infrastructure include the nation’s largest integrated fixed and wireless networks and VITRO Sta. Rosa (VSR), the country’s first hyperscale data center built specifically for AI workloads.
Located in the tech corridor of Laguna, VSR is developed by PLDT data center arm VITRO Inc. The facility hosts Pilipinas AI, the first sovereign AI solutions stack in the Philippines, which allows local enterprises to utilize AI without building or managing their own infrastructure.
As a homegrown solution, Pilipinas AI ensures that data remains locally hosted, enabling private and public sectors to access world-class AI capabilities while keeping workloads secure within Philippine borders.
PLDT Enterprise business group senior vice president and head Blums Pineda said the company is developing a range of AI use cases for industries such as banking, finance services, insurance, business process outsourcing, healthcare, government and utilities.
These use cases aim to optimize processes, increase productivity and enhance customer experience.
Pineda said that with an AI-ready ecosystem and investments in infrastructure and people, the PLDT Group is ready to help more Filipino communities, businesses and enterprises harness the benefits of AI to boost productivity, competitiveness and innovation.
PLDT and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications Inc. are also leading a multi-sectoral thrust to unlock AI potential for government, schools, non-government organizations, micro, medium and small enterprises, media groups and community-based organizations.
The initiative aims to make AI accessible and practical for more Filipinos.
PLDT and Smart stakeholder engagement assistant vice-president and head Stephanie Orlino said the companies are not just introducing communities to AI but are championing its responsible and meaningful use.
Orlino said that across schools, local government units and media, the group is pushing for AI adoption that improves how people work and create value, ensuring the technology is empowering and usable today.
In 2025, PLDT and Smart launched “AI-in-a-Box,” a digital empowerment initiative providing communities with tools, connectivity and training.
The program has reached local government workers in the Bicol Region and Balanga in Bataan.
PLDT and Smart have integrated AI upskilling into education and livelihood programs, reaching students and business owners from Baguio to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
