Globe Invests in Data Centers as the New Foundation of the Digital Economy

Most people never see a data center, but rely on one every day. Every online transaction, bank transfer, video conversation, cloud application, and AI-powered service relies on infrastructure that securely stores, processes, and handles huge volumes of digital information. As more aspects of our lives rely on online use, data centers have quietly become a critical infrastructure for any country to run.

Research and Markets places the Philippine data center market value at about US$633 million in 2024 and forecasts it would triple to US$1.97 billion by 2030, expanding at more than 20% annually. As the Philippines has one of the most digitally engaged populations in the world with around 97.5 million internet users, the demand for cloud services, streaming, gaming, enterprise applications, and AI continues to grow exponentially.

Data centers have become essential to the digital economy as roads are to transportation or power plants to electricity. The aim is to build more to fulfill real needs. However, building more also requires building responsibly.

This need drives Globe’s strategic investment in ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (Philippines). For Globe, building data centers supports its business imperatives in the same way it builds submarine cable systems. Altogether they form part of essential digital infrastructures for the country's growing digital economy while embedding resilience and responsible operations in the way facilities are designed and managed.

"Digital infrastructure works hand in hand with today's advanced technologies," said Carl Cruz, President and CEO of Globe. "It enables businesses to operate, governments to deliver services, and people to stay connected. As demand continues to grow, it's equally important that we build this infrastructure responsibly so it creates lasting value for businesses, communities, and the country."

With STT GDC Philippines, customers depend on data centers to keep essential digital services running round the clock. Along with computing requirements, investments are also made for resilient power systems, robust security, and business continuity.

"Customers today expect more than capacity," said Carlo Malana, President and CEO of STT GDC Philippines. "They want infrastructure that is reliable, energy efficient, resilient, and designed to support their long-term growth. Those considerations influence every decision we make, from how we design our facilities to how we operate them every day."

Responsible operations are not just about energy. STT GDC Philippines has installed a closed-loop cooling system at its Fairview campus, which enables the campus to recycle water within the campus, lessening its need for municipal water, as well as sustaining ever more demanding computing workloads. Wherever possible, the construction used recycled steel and other lower carbon materials to lessen the environmental footprint of the project.

The impact goes beyond the data center itself. STT GDC Philippines continues to create high-value engineering and technical employment and support local economic activity with its increasing operations. The company works together with the people around it through education projects, livelihood programs, and shared public spaces, showing its commitment to grow along with the communities where it operates.

As demand for cloud services, digital platforms, and emerging technologies continues to grow, Globe sees data centers playing a greater role in the country’s digital future. Cruz said, "We make sure that we create infrastructure that is resilient, responsible, and ready to support the Philippines for many years to come."