PLDT Ready to Support Growing Government Demand Under New Data Residency EO

PLDT Inc. says it is ready to support the government's growing requirements for secure data hosting and digital infrastructure following the issuance of Executive Order No. 119, which establishes a data residency framework for government data, and is expected to strengthen protection for Filipinos' sensitive information and reinforce the country's broader digital transformation efforts.

PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan expressed his appreciation and support for the President's vision for digital transformation. “We're eager to help turn the President's vision into reality,” he said. “We have been preparing for this future for years. We built the infrastructure ahead of time, and our people have the expertise and capabilities to help the government secure our data and accelerate our digital transformation.”

Through its expanding network of data centers and digital infrastructure, PLDT is well-positioned to enable a secure and future-ready digital ecosystem for government, businesses, and citizens and support the implementation of the government's data residency ambitions.

“This landmark policy brings our government's data governance framework in alignment with the demands of the digital economy, which includes a nation's ability to secure, govern, and control its own data. EO 119 is a key step to ensure both our national security and economic competitiveness,” said Victor S. Genuino, President and CEO of ePLDT Inc. and President of VITRO REIT, Inc.

“We already host the critical data of the country's data-driven government agencies, enterprises, and cloud and AI workloads. And with the launch of VITRO Santa Rosa, the country's first and only AI-ready data center, we can confidently say we are ready today — not just with capacity, but with the cloud and AI capabilities the public sector requires,” he added.

Today, PLDT's data center business under ePLDT, Inc. (“ePLDT”) and VITRO REIT, Inc. the country's pioneering data center operator, showcases over 25 years of operations as trusted digital infrastructure partner for enterprises, with a nationwide footprint strategically spread across the country and approximately 34MW total IT ready capacity available for utilization — the largest data center operator in the country by live colocation IT capacity as of April 15, 2026, according to independent market research.

Years of sustained investments in digital infrastructure enable PLDT to provide the scale and resilience needed to help government agencies comply with evolving data residency and protection requirements under EO 119.

Among these investments are VITRO-branded data centers, which host some of the country's first local sovereign digital platforms, such as Pilipinas Cloud and Pilipinas AI.

Pilipinas Cloud, launched by ePLDT in 2023 as one of the country’s pioneering sovereign cloud platforms, was envisioned specifically to host highly sensitive government data and applications in a trusted cloud environment to help fast-track the digital transformation of the country's public sector. Today, Pilipinas Cloud hosts mission-critical workloads in compliance with the country’s data protection laws and regulations.

Apart from sovereign cloud, ePLDT also launched another homegrown infrastructure that aims to help enterprises and government agencies adopt and operationalize AI responsibly and compliantly. Introduced in 2025, ePLDT Pilipinas AI, the country's first sovereign AI solutions stack, enables organizations to tap into AI's full potential without the burden of building or managing their own infrastructure. It also supports local data privacy requirements and reinforces digital sovereignty by helping keep critical data and workloads within Philippine borders.

Through these sovereign digital infrastructures, PLDT strengthens the Philippines' bid to become a regional hub for digital innovation amid the acceleration of AI adoption around the world.

Underpinning these services are PLDT and Smart's integrated fixed and wireless networks. As of end-March 2026, PLDT's fiber infrastructure, the country's most extensive, spanned nearly 1.3 million cable kilometers, consisting of domestic and international fiber.

Lenovo and FIFA AI Pro Transform Match Preparation at FIFA World Cup 2026™

Artificial intelligence played a defining role at the FIFA World Cup 2026™, as Lenovo and FIFA announced that all 48 participating national teams utilized FIFA AI Pro, an advanced football analytics platform designed to revolutionize match preparation and tactical decision-making.

The adoption of FIFA AI Pro across every competing nation highlights the growing influence of AI in modern sports. By providing teams with rapid access to in-depth performance analysis, the platform has helped level the playing field while enhancing the quality of football on the global stage.

FIFA AI Pro processes millions of data points and evaluates more than 2,000 individual performance metrics from matches and training sessions. Within minutes, coaches and analysts receive comprehensive reports, interactive graphs, visual animations, and tactical recommendations that support everything from opponent scouting to player performance evaluation.

At the core of the platform is Lenovo's AI Factory infrastructure and xIQ agent platform, which powers FIFA AI Pro as a sophisticated Knowledge Super Agent. Instead of relying on a single AI model, the system coordinates multiple specialized AI agents that work together to analyze massive amounts of football data simultaneously. This collaborative AI architecture enables teams to receive highly detailed insights in a fraction of the time traditionally required by human analysts.

One of the most significant achievements of FIFA AI Pro is its commitment to making elite football analytics more accessible. Historically, only wealthier football federations could afford large analytics departments and advanced scouting technologies. With FIFA AI Pro, smaller and emerging national teams gained access to the same high-quality analytical tools, allowing them to prepare more effectively regardless of budget or resources.

This democratization of sports technology represents a major milestone for international football. Equal access to advanced analytics encourages greater competition and allows every nation to make data-driven decisions before and during matches.

According to Arsène Wenger, FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development, the successful deployment of FIFA AI Pro marks the beginning of a new era in football analysis. Rather than spending countless hours gathering and organizing performance data, technical staff can now focus on interpreting insights, refining tactics, and improving player performance.

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, platforms like FIFA AI Pro demonstrate how technology can enhance—not replace—the expertise of coaches and analysts. By combining human decision-making with AI-powered intelligence, Lenovo and FIFA are helping shape the future of football, where faster analysis, smarter strategies, and greater accessibility benefit teams of every size on the world's biggest sporting stage.

Vivo X300 FE Brings AI Creation to Transform Everyday Photography

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Rainy days and overcast skies often make even the most vibrant locations appear dull in photos. While the human eye can still appreciate the beauty of a scene, smartphone cameras sometimes struggle to capture the same atmosphere. To address this, Vivo has introduced AI Creation on the new Vivo X300 FE, an intelligent imaging feature designed to enhance photos before and after they are taken.

Building on the company's expertise in mobile photography, the Vivo X300 FE combines its advanced AI imaging technology with a ZEISS co-engineered camera system, allowing users to transform ordinary shots into visually stunning images without relying on third-party editing apps. Whether capturing cityscapes, landscapes, or creative portraits, AI Creation makes it easier to achieve professional-looking results with just a few taps.

A recent hands-on demonstration, filmed in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Metro Manila, showcased how the feature can dramatically improve photos taken during gloomy weather. The demonstration highlighted two primary ways users can take advantage of AI Creation.

Before taking a photo, users can activate AI Style Filters within the Camera app's Landscape & Night mode. One of the available filters, Morning Glow, instantly adds warmer lighting and brighter tones, transforming cloudy scenes into vibrant images at the moment the shutter is pressed. Users can also explore additional AI styles such as Underwater, Dream, and Glow, each previewed through easy-to-select thumbnails.

AI Creation also enhances images after they have been captured. By opening a photo in the Gallery and selecting AI Creation, users can choose from creative styles including Travel, Landscape, Fantasy, Stage, and Cyberpunk. After tapping Generate, the AI recreates the image with a fresh artistic look within seconds, offering an effortless way to reimagine existing photos.

Beyond its AI-powered imaging capabilities, the Vivo X300 FE delivers flagship-level performance. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, ensuring smooth multitasking and responsive AI processing. Despite its powerful hardware, the smartphone remains sleek, measuring only 7.99 mm thin and weighing 191 g, making it comfortable for everyday use while delivering premium photography performance.

The Vivo X300 FE is available in Mist Purple and Luxe Black with a suggested retail price of Php 54,999. Customers can purchase the device through Vivo concept stores, the Vivo e-store, and official Vivo stores on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.

For more information about the Vivo X300 FE and its AI Creation features, visit the official Vivo website.

LG Unveils Next-Generation AI Displays with OLED evo G6 AI and Micro RGB evo AI

LG Electronics continues to push the boundaries of home entertainment with the introduction of its latest flagship display technologies—the LG OLED evo G6 AI and the LG Micro RGB evo AI. Designed to cater to different viewing preferences, these premium TVs showcase LG's commitment to delivering immersive, intelligent, and cinema-quality experiences for modern households.

For viewers who prioritize stunning picture precision, the LG OLED evo G6 AI offers a premium visual experience powered by self-lit OLED technology. Unlike conventional display panels, OLED pixels illuminate independently, allowing the TV to produce perfect blacks, remarkable contrast, and exceptional shadow detail. This level of image accuracy brings movies, TV shows, and games to life with vibrant colors and realistic depth, making it an ideal choice for film enthusiasts and content creators who demand the highest picture quality.

Meanwhile, the LG Micro RGB evo AI is built for consumers looking to transform their living rooms into a true home cinema. Available in display sizes of up to 100 inches, this impressive TV delivers an expansive viewing experience without compromising image clarity. At its core is LG's powerful α11 AI Processor, which intelligently minimizes color bleeding while enhancing color accuracy and overall image sharpness. The result is a cleaner, more natural-looking picture that maintains exceptional quality even on ultra-large screens.

Both flagship models are equipped with premium entertainment technologies that elevate every viewing session. Support for Dolby Vision ensures stunning HDR visuals with enhanced brightness and color accuracy, while Dolby Atmos delivers immersive surround sound that fills the room. In addition, Filmmaker Ambient Mode preserves the creator's original artistic intent by automatically adjusting picture settings according to ambient lighting conditions, allowing viewers to enjoy films exactly as directors envisioned.

Beyond outstanding visuals and audio, LG integrates advanced artificial intelligence to make entertainment more personalized and intuitive. AI-powered features provide tailored content recommendations based on user preferences, enabling viewers to discover new movies, series, and programs more easily. Voice-controlled navigation further simplifies operation, while AI-enhanced audio optimizes sound performance according to the content being played.

With the launch of the LG OLED evo G6 AI and LG Micro RGB evo AI, LG Electronics offers consumers two exceptional display solutions that cater to different lifestyles and viewing needs. Whether seeking OLED's unrivaled picture accuracy or the immersive impact of a massive 100-inch display, users can enjoy cutting-edge AI innovations that redefine the future of home entertainment.

PLDT, Smart Bring Cyber Safety Training to Visually Impaired Women and Girls

For women and girls with visual impairments, knowing how to stay safe online is essential to using digital platforms for learning, work, and daily life. Equipping them with accessible cybersecurity skills strengthens their confidence and independence, and advances a more inclusive and secure digital Philippines.

As part of their #KonektedforInclusion and #KonektedforSaferInternet programs, PLDT and Smart supported a cyber safety workshop for visually impaired women and girls organized by Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation, Integration and Empowerment of the Visually Impaired (ATRIEV), in partnership with the Quezon City Persons with Disability Affairs Office and APNIC Foundation.

"Cybersecurity awareness is an essential life skill in today’s connected world," said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Engagement at PLDT and Smart. "By empowering persons with disabilities to #BeCyberSmart, we hope to help build a safer digital Philippines where everyone can participate online with confidence."

As part of the Cyber Safety Workshop for Visually Impaired Women and Girls, participants completed PLDT and Smart's #BeCyberSmart module, where they learned practical ways to recognize phishing attempts, avoid online scams, and protect their data from cyber threats.

The three-day, accessibility-centered training equipped participants with real-world digital safety skills and addressed emerging online risks, including AI-generated content, online harassment, and digital exclusion. Designed specifically for women and girls with visual impairment, the workshop highlighted how accessibility and cybersecurity go hand in hand in creating a safer digital environment for all.

"You don't have to share everything online," said Juzztine Mae Bactad, a graphic artist with visual impairment. "Criminals can use that information to compromise your accounts. Turning on multi-factor authentication is one way to better protect them."

Participants also learned to recognize common warning signs of text scams.

"Be wary of text messages saying you won something or offering you a job," said Ma. Angelica Tores, a voice talent with visual impairment. "It's a red flag when you're asked to pay before claiming a prize. If you're applying for work, make sure the employer is legitimate by checking the company's official website or verified social media pages."

In 2026, PLDT and Smart, together with ATRIEV and APNIC Foundation, have equipped persons with disabilities with practical internet safety knowledge through workshops at the Philippine National School for the Blind and the National Vocational Rehabilitation Center.

The initiative forms part of PLDT and Smart's #KonektedforSaferInternet program, which promotes safer digital experiences by equipping Filipinos with the knowledge and skills to navigate the online world more securely. Supporting vulnerable sectors through digital inclusion also advances the group's #KonektedforInclusion initiative.

The awareness campaign complements PLDT and Smart's broader cybersecurity efforts to protect customers from digital threats. In the first six months of the year, the PLDT and Smart Cyber Security Operations Group (CSOG) blocked more than 209 billion attempts to access malicious domains, including phishing websites. It has also blacklisted more than 193,000 URLs linked to phishing, spam, and online hoaxes.

Meanwhile, Smart prevented almost 1.6 billion scam text messages from reaching customers and blocked more than 373,000 mobile numbers associated with fraudulent activities.

Together, public awareness initiatives and continued investments in cybersecurity infrastructure reflect the PLDT Group's broader effort to strengthen digital safety for Filipinos by delivering safe and meaningful connections so customers can live a fuller life.