PLDT, Vitro Back Election Transparency Efforts in Milestone BARMM Polls

Leading integrated telco network PLDT, Inc (PLDT) is supporting efforts to help ensure the transparent and credible conduct of the first regular Parliamentary Elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), reinforcing its commitment to leveraging technology in support of democratic institutions and nation-building.

As part of its support, PLDT, in cooperation with the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), is providing critical connectivity and digital infrastructure services for election-related operations, with its VITRO data centers housing critical servers that will receive data directly transmitted by automated counting machines — a partnership with the Commission on Elections that started in 2016, when it first shifted to electronic counting machines, and was strengthened further during the 2025 midterm elections.

PLDT is also providing connectivity for the PPCRV Command Center at AMA and distributing prepaid SIMs to support coordination and election monitoring activities.

"Reliable connectivity and secure digital infrastructure play a crucial role in enabling transparent and credible elections. As the Bangsamoro Region prepares for this historic electoral exercise, PLDT is honored to support Comelec, PPCRV, and other election stakeholders in helping strengthen public trust in the electoral process," said PLDT Chief Operating Officer Menardo G. Jimenez Jr.

"Serving the Filipino people means safeguarding the sanctity of every vote. Through VITRO's secure and mission-critical data center infrastructure, we are committed to protecting the integrity of election data entrusted to us. We are honored to once again support the Commission on Elections and iONE in strengthening our democratic process, this time through the landmark BARMM Parliamentary Elections," said Victor S. Genuino, President and CEO, ePLDT and VITRO REIT Inc.

VITRO data centers are fortified with layers of physical security, engineered to withstand earthquakes up to Intensity 8, and equipped with generators featuring redundancy consistent with prevailing industry benchmarks, along with uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems designed to keep operations running without disruption in the event of a commercial power outage. Built to deliver service level agreements of up to 99.99% uptime, VITRO's facilities are designed to provide high availability, helping ensure that election data remains secure and accessible when it matters most.

'Significant milestone'

Scheduled on September 14, the BARMM Parliamentary Elections have been hailed by the government as a significant milestone in the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro and the region's democratic transition.

The initiative builds on PLDT's longstanding support for election modernization efforts. Through its extensive network infrastructure, connectivity solutions, and data center capabilities, the Group continues to help empower institutions with the digital tools needed to carry out critical public functions.

This support also forms part of PLDT's broader commitment to advancing the country's digital transformation agenda. This includes support for the Bayanihan SIM Program, which provides free SIMs with mobile data to Filipinos in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), alongside other government efforts to expand access to digital services in education, healthcare, and public service through improved connectivity nationwide.

In addition, the PLDT Group continues to work with LGUs, schools, and businesses of all sizes to strengthen community readiness for emerging technologies. This includes upskilling Filipino entrepreneurs to succeed in the digital marketplace, as well as boosting the government's thrust to harness AI by making AI more accessible and relevant to communities through the promotion of AI literacy via programs like AI-in-a-Box.

For advancing digital transformation across the country, PLDT and Smart recently received the "Bayani sa Last Mile" award from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), highlighting the Group's role in accelerating digital transformation and supporting countryside development across the Philippines.

The PLDT Group's continued collaboration with government and civil society organizations reflects its commitment to supporting stronger institutions through technology and contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 16 on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions and SDG 9 on Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.

VITRO and BBIX Enrich the Philippines’ IX Ecosystem Through Strategic Direct Peering

VITRO Inc., the country’s first and largest data center service provider, has partnered with BBIX Philippines Inc. to establish a direct peering connection between BBIX and the VITRO Internet Exchange (VIX)—marking a significant step toward strengthening the country’s digital ecosystem.

The partnership centers on enabling more efficient traffic exchange through direct peering, allowing enterprises connected to both BBIX and VIX to benefit from improved routing, reduced latency, and enhanced access to content and digital services.

As part of the collaboration, an initial 100G network-to-network interconnection has been deployed at VITRO Makati 2, providing a high-capacity, scalable platform for traffic exchange. This interconnection is expected to expand in line with traffic growth and evolving demand.

VIX brings to the partnership its strong local ecosystem, including access to over 98 million internet users in the Philippines, alongside a growing base of enterprises, carriers, and hyperscalers hosted within VITRO’s carrier-neutral data centers. Its strategic locations enable proximity to end users, improving performance and service delivery.

Complementing this, BBIX contributes its global peering expertise and a rich and massive ecosystem of content from cloud service providers, content platforms, content delivery networks (CDNs), and other technology solution providers. This enables more efficient traffic flow, reduced latency, and improved access to both regional and international content—ultimately elevating the overall Filipino user experience.

By directly interconnecting BBIX and VIX, both exchanges are able to complement each other’s strengths—addressing gaps in connectivity, optimizing traffic routes, and enhancing the overall efficiency of the internet ecosystem in the Philippines.

“Through this direct peering partnership with BBIX, we are enriching the country’s digital ecosystem in a way that delivers more seamless and responsive online experiences for Filipinos,” said Gary F. Ignacio, Chief Commercial Officer of VITRO Inc. “By strengthening how traffic is exchanged between networks, we are improving access to content, enhancing performance, and enabling businesses and communities to better participate in the digital economy.”

BBIX Philippines Inc. continues to pursue its vision of bridging the digital divide across the Philippines’ many islands by bringing high-quality internet exchange services closer to users.

“Our goal is to bring the power of the internet closer to every Filipino,” said Toya Oba, General Manager, BBIX PH. “Through our direct peering with VITRO IX, we can deliver more efficient and reliable connectivity that supports the growing demand for digital services in the country.”

As demand for data, cloud, and content continues to rise, VITRO and BBIX remain committed to advancing internet exchange infrastructure—ensuring a more connected, efficient, and resilient digital future for the Philippines.

VITRO Inc. and 8990 Housing Development Corporation Strengthen Partnership to Power Resilient, Always-On Operations

VITRO Inc., the data center arm of the PLDT Group, part of PLDT Enterprise, the Group’s corporate business arm, strengthened its partnership with 8990 Housing Development Corporation (HDC) by supporting the company’s IT Infrastructure project to ensure continued growth and operations.

A major subsidiary of 8990 Holdings, Inc., 8990 HDC is widely recognized for delivering accessible homeownership to Filipino families through its flagship brands, Deca Homes and Urban Deca Homes. As the company continues to expand its nationwide footprint, ensuring uninterrupted access to its critical systems has become a top priority.

Since 2019, 8990 HDC has partnered with VITRO Inc. to host its Real Estate ERP and Document Management Systems at the VITRO Cebu. Building on this foundation, the company expanded to VITRO Makati 2 in 2025, where its systems are housed to support robust business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR). With all sales offices nationwide directly connected to its systems collocated in VITRO, this setup ensures seamless operations, real-time data access, and high availability across the organization.

Notably, 8990 HDC’s systems remained fully operational during major disruptions, including Typhoon Odette and multiple earthquakes across the Visayas and Mindanao regions in 2025, underscoring the strength of its digital infrastructure strategy.

“For the past seven years, VITRO has consistently delivered excellent service, and we see this partnership continuing for the long term. It wasn’t easy at first to convince management to invest in colocation, but after the recent calamities we have gone through, we can confidently say it was the right decision,” said Roan Torregoza, Chief Financial Officer of 8990 Housing Development Corporation.

As enterprises increasingly prioritize resilience and uptime, VITRO remains committed to delivering world-class infrastructure that supports mission-critical operations.

“At VITRO, our commitment goes beyond providing space—we ensure that our clients’ systems remain secure, available, and continuously running, even in the face of unforeseen disruptions. Our partnership with 8990 Housing Development Corporation reflects our promise to deliver resilient, always-on infrastructure that our clients can depend on, no matter the circumstance,” shared Gary F. Ignacio, Chief Commercial Officer, VITRO Inc.

“Our role, in PLDT Enterprise, is not just to provide colocation, but to enable our clients’ growth journeys. By delivering an integrated ecosystem, from data center services to connectivity and wireless solutions, we ensure that companies like 8990 HDC are fully equipped with the digital foundation they need to scale, innovate, and build more homes for Filipinos,” added Jay Lagdameo, Vice President and Head of Domestic Enterprise Business, Regional & Commercial, PLDT Enterprise.

This strengthened partnership highlights how VITRO continues to empower industries beyond technology, supporting sectors such as real estate in building more resilient, future-ready operations.

VITRO Santa Rosa, Now TIA-942 Rated 3 Facility Certified

VITRO Inc., the pioneer in hyperscale-grade data centers in the Philippines, announced that VITRO Santa Rosa (VSR) is now TIA-942 Rated 3 Facility Certified, confirming its concurrently maintainable design with no single point of failure. The certification was awarded following a rigorous audit conducted by EPI (Enterprise Products Integration), a globally accredited certification body for data center standards.

Inaugurated last April 2025 by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., VSR is the country's first AI-ready hyperscale data center. The 50-megawatt facility, located in Laguna's thriving tech corridor, is carrier-neutral and fully integrated into the country's domestic fiber network and global submarine cable systems. It is purpose-built to support the mission-critical operations of local and global enterprises, hyperscalers, AI platforms, and the public sector.

The TIA-942 Certification is administered by the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) and is globally recognized as an industry benchmark for telecommunications data centers. It provides a detailed design specification for a highly available, secure, and well-connected facility designed to meet today's most demanding IT assurance requirements.

Achieving the Rated 3 Facility Certification means VSR conforms to the stringent standards of ANSI/TIA-942 guidelines, ensuring that any data center component — including major apparatus and equipment — can be removed, replaced, or repaired without disrupting the operations of its customers. The design guidelines emphasize redundancy in data center infrastructure to secure high availability during both unplanned maintenance and infrastructure expansion.

"This certification is a testament to VITRO's commitment to delivering infrastructure that global enterprises and hyperscalers can trust. VSR was designed from the ground up to meet the most exacting international standards, and this certification affirms that the Philippines is ready to compete on the world stage as a premier digital hub," said Victor S. Genuino, President and CEO of ePLDT and VITRO Inc.

VITRO data centers, including VITRO Santa Rosa, are engineered to sustain a minimum of 72 hours of continuous operations through generator systems and fuel reserve, among the highest levels of operational resilience in the country. This reinforces VITRO’s commitment to delivering high-availability infrastructure, purpose-built for high availability and business continuity.

With TIA-942 Rated 3 Facility Certification now secured, VSR continues to raise the bar for data center excellence in Southeast Asia, supporting the Philippines' ambition to become a leading regional hub for digital innovation and investment.

Bounty Strengthens Operational Continuity at VITRO Santa Rosa

VITRO Inc., the data center arm of PLDT Inc., part of PLDT Enterprise, the Group's corporate business arm, has announced its partnership with Bounty Fresh Group Holdings, Inc., to strengthen the company’s digital backbone and future-proof its operations through VITRO Santa Rosa’s robust data center facility.

As one of the country’s leading fully integrated poultry operators—spanning rearing, processing, and nationwide distribution—Bounty operates in a highly dynamic, time-sensitive environment where operational continuity is critical, with fully integrated systems connecting farms, plants, and distribution channels. The company relies on real-time data visibility to manage its supply chain, production, and inventory.

The comprehensive suite of solutions provided by PLDT Enterprise and VITRO is designed to serve the entire Bounty Fresh Group ecosystem. This digital integration ensures seamless operational synergy across all subsidiaries and brands, including Chooks-to-Go, Bounty Plus, and its various poultry and agribusiness units, reinforcing the Group’s commitment to a unified and resilient supply chain.

Leaders from Bounty Fresh Group, VITRO Inc., and PLDT Enterprise underscored the importance of resilient digital infrastructure in supporting uninterrupted operations and long-term business growth.

“As our organization continues to grow, investing in resilient and future-ready digital infrastructure is essential. Our supply chain must never stop, and real-time visibility across our operations is critical to maintaining efficiency and quality,” said Atty. Kenneth Cheng, President and CEO of Bounty Fresh Group Holdings, Inc, “Our partnership with VITRO strengthens our ability to safeguard critical systems while giving us the flexibility to scale and innovate. This is a strategic investment in the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of our business.”

Warren Chase Uy, Chief Information Officer of Bounty Fresh Group Holdings, Inc., emphasized the connectivity and efficiency of the collaboration: “The complexity of our nationwide operations requires a digital backbone that is both robust and agile. Partnering with VITRO and PLDT Enterprise allows us to centralize our critical data in a facility that guarantees maximum uptime and carrier-neutral connectivity. This strategic move optimizes our internal workflows and strengthens our end-to-end visibility, ensuring that our high standards are maintained from the farm all the way to the Filipino home.

Victor S. Genuino, President and CEO of ePLDT and VITRO Inc., added: “We deeply value the trust that Bounty has placed in VITRO. For enterprises operating at this scale, operational resilience is foundational to sustained growth. Our role goes beyond infrastructure — we provide the secure, scalable digital ecosystem that enables industry leaders to innovate, expand, and operate without disruption. We are proud to support Bounty as they accelerate their next phase of growth.”

“Our partnership with Bounty goes beyond providing state-of-the-art colocation facilities. It reflects PLDT Enterprise’s commitment to supporting the company’s evolving digital needs through a comprehensive suite of end-to-end solutions,” said Vic Y. Tria, PLDT Enterprise FVP and Head of Enterprise Domestic Business and SME. “To power its nationwide operations, we are delivering reliable connectivity that enables seamless workflows and uninterrupted business operations, while Smart Bizload and Smart Postpaid solutions ensure their teams stay connected anytime, anywhere. Altogether, these solutions reflect years of partnership built on trust and a shared vision of enabling a more digitally empowered business landscape.”

As the poultry industry prepares for substantial growth in the coming decade, Bounty continues to invest in smart farming technologies, including AI-powered camera systems to help predict optimal harvest weight, alongside enhanced livestock healthcare monitoring, strengthened security, and compliance measures. These innovations further underscore the importance of a resilient data center facility to protect the company’s mission-critical data from natural disasters and other unforeseen risks.

By colocating its disaster recovery infrastructure in VITRO Santa Rosa, Bounty ensures its critical systems are housed in a purpose-built, AI-ready hyperscale data center designed for scalability, resilience, and security. The facility’s redundant power systems, multi-layer physical security, and carrier-neutral ecosystem safeguard workloads while providing the flexibility to scale in line with business expansion.

As enterprises prioritize business continuity and digital transformation, VITRO Santa Rosa continues to empower industry leaders with secure, resilient, and future-ready infrastructure.

Nevigate Leverages the Philippines to Accelerate Global Connectivity with VITRO Inc. and PLDT Global

Nevigate Communications (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. continues to strengthen its global footprint by leveraging the Philippines as a strategic location to serve customers worldwide, with a strong focus on bridging the ASEAN and US regions.

Through its partnership with VITRO Inc. and PLDT Global, the company strengthens its suite of network solutions through resilient data center facilities and fast global connectivity. By hosting its infrastructure within VITRO, Nevigate gains access to secure, resilient, and carrier-neutral facilities that support seamless international connectivity. VITRO’s strategic location allows Nevigate to benefit from reliable network routes between Southeast Asia and the United States, while tapping into the Philippines’ rapidly expanding digital infrastructure.

“Our decision to work closely with VITRO and PLDT Global reflects our confidence in the Philippines as a key hub for global connectivity,” said GK Tan (Tan Ghee Khoon), Managing Director of Nevigate Communications (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. “This partnership allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality network services while strengthening our ability to bridge ASEAN and US markets for our customers.”

Beyond infrastructure, the collaboration presents mutual opportunities for growth. Nevigate's global traffic enriches VITRO's digital ecosystem, strengthening its position as a global enterprise's gateway to the Philippines

“This collaboration reflects our shared vision of building a globally connected digital ecosystem with the Philippines at its core,” said Gary Ignacio, Chief Commercial Officer of VITRO Inc. “By working alongside Nevigate and PLDT Global, we are helping enterprises unlock new opportunities, scale across borders, and participate more fully in the global digital economy.”

“This partnership goes beyond colocation and connectivity—it is about enabling global scale,” said Roselle Dela Cruz, Vice President for Global Business at PLDT Global. “This partnership allows us to expand our capabilities to support enterprises with end-to-end digital infrastructure that connects the Philippines to the rest of the world.”

Data Center Operators of the Philippines at PTC 2026, Highlights Nation as Rising Digital Hub

HONOLULU, HAWAII — The debut event of the Data Center Operators of the Philippines (DCPH) at Pacific Telecommunications Council 2026 concluded with strong momentum, spotlighting the Philippines as the next premier digital destination in Southeast Asia. The landmark gathering brought together key leaders and professionals from the global telecommunications and digital infrastructure industries to underscore the nation’s readiness to support exponential digital growth.

Top executives from leading data center operators — VITRO Inc., ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (Philippines), YCO Cloud, Digital Halo, Digital Edge Philippines, and A-FLOW (a joint-venture partnership between FLOW Digital Infrastructure and AyalaLand Logistics Holdings Corp.) — convened to help advance the Philippines’ digital infrastructure and reinforce its competitiveness regionally and globally. The event was honored by the presence of Philippine Deputy Consul General Pamela F. Durian-Bailon, whose support highlighted the government’s commitment to fostering a thriving digital ecosystem.

Victor S. Genuino, President of DCPH and President & CEO of ePLDT and VITRO Inc., shared his optimism for the country, “The Philippines is at a point where it can truly position itself as the next digital destination in Southeast Asia. Demand for cloud, hyperscale, and emerging technologies like AI is only increasing, and with the right partnerships, infrastructure, and policies in place, we’re well-positioned to support that growth.”

"For the first time at PTC, we are standing together as a unified industry to showcase that the Philippines is ready and has the collective capacity to meet global demand. By promoting the country as a strategic data center hub and leveraging robust government incentives from the BOI, we are ensuring we are equipped to support the massive infrastructure needs of the international digital economy," added Carlo Malana, Corporate Secretary of DCPH and President & CEO of ST Telemedia Global Data Centres.

The formation of DCPH marks a pivotal step in unifying the country’s data center industry to accelerate infrastructure development, enhance connectivity, and advocate for policies that drive innovation and sustainable growth. Representing a combined 473 MW of IT power capacity, the alliance serves as a unified voice for the sector, advancing infrastructure readiness, renewable energy access, competitive power rates, and supportive policy frameworks, including data localization. Together, these efforts strengthen national resilience, boost investor confidence, and attract greater investments in cloud, hyperscale, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

The successful event not only celebrated the launch of DCPH but also reinforced the Philippines’ strategic role in the evolving digital economy, inviting global partners to be part of its journey toward digital leadership in the region.

“We are certainly proud to invest back and contribute to the country's next chapter of growth, to enable the entry of new economies and industries to future-proof the nation,” said Nikolas de Ynchausti, DCPH Trustee and Co-Founder of YCO Cloud.

VITRO Inc. and BDO: A Strategic Partnership Powering the Philippines’ Digital Resilience

In today’s fast-evolving digital landscape, financial institutions face increasing pressure to ensure business continuity, data security, and operational resilience. Recognizing these imperatives, VITRO Inc., the data center arm of the PLDT Group, has forged a strong partnership with BDO Unibank Inc., one of the country’s leading banks, to support its digital infrastructure strategy.

Already operating on a strong and secure digital foundation, BDO continues to enhance its infrastructure to meet the growing needs of its customers and communities. Through VITRO’s robust network of data centers, BDO fortifies its capability to deliver uninterrupted, reliable, and efficient banking operations, especially for mission-critical services such as its core banking, digital payments, and financial transactions. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to robust security, seamless service, and business continuity—critical pillars for financial institutions in today’s digital-first economy.

“We aim to anticipate future needs, delivering a digital infrastructure that is secure, resilient, and robust. Our partnership with VITRO complements this commitment, enabling us to deliver seamless banking experiences for our clients even in times of possible disruption,” said Paul Siy, BDO Unibank’s Senior Vice President for Information Technology Initiatives.

“Financial institutions like BDO require more than just infrastructure—they need trusted partners who understand the magnitude and scale of what they do,” said Victor S. Genuino, President and CEO of VITRO Inc. “We are proud to support BDO’s long-standing commitment to finding ways for its clients by providing secure, scalable, and resilient digital infrastructures that power their business.”

BDO’s dedication to innovation and customer-centricity is reflected not only in its financial services but also in how it manages its systems and operations. By leveraging VITRO’s advanced data center capabilities, BDO ensures that its digital backbone remains robust, secure, and future-ready.

This partnership also aligns with BDO’s support for the country’s digital transformation. As a key backer of VITRO Sta. Rosa, the Philippines’ first AI-ready hyperscale data center, BDO is helping to position the nation as a competitive player in the global digital economy. Through strategic financing and tailored banking solutions, BDO has enabled VITRO to deliver infrastructure that meets the demands of AI workloads, cloud services, and hyperscale deployments.

Vitro Inc Posts Record-Breaking 36% Growth in Colocation Revenues

VITRO Inc., the data center arm of the PLDT Group and a wholly-owned subsidiary of ePLDT, has recorded its strongest performance to date in its colocation business, posting a 36% year-on-year increase in revenues in the first half of the year. This record-breaking growth was fueled by rising demand from financial institutions, the public sector, and global hyperscalers.

Colocation remains the cornerstone of VITRO’s data center growth and operations, directly impacting utilization rates and shaping the company’s expansion roadmap. The surge in colocation also drives growth in VITRO’s connectivity business, reinforcing its role as a critical enabler of digital transformation in the Philippines.

“We are building strong momentum in our data center business, with VITRO Santa Rosa (VSR) driving sustained demand from enterprises and hyperscalers. We’re growing our colocation business not just on VSR but also across all VITRO data center sites,” said Victor S. Genuino, President and CEO of ePLDT and VITRO Inc.

“To sustain this growth, we look forward to stronger data localization policies that will safeguard government data, accelerate cloud and AI adoption, and create even greater demand for the local data center industry,” Genuino added.

Designed to meet the evolving needs of AI workloads and hyperscale deployments, VSR has a total power capacity of 50MW. With Rated-3 certification and Rated-4 readiness, VSR provides unparalleled network diversity and resilience, as it is fully connected to other VITRO flagship sites, the country’s domestic fiber optic network, and international subsea cable systems.

VSR also houses ePLDT’s GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS), designed for enterprises that face infrastructure gaps due to high-compute workloads. With it, enterprises gain the ability to run highly demanding AI workloads on NVIDIA-powered GPU infrastructure, such as machine learning, large-scale data analytics, financial modeling, high-resolution rendering, and advanced simulations with speed, precision, and scalability without the need for massive infrastructure investment.

With the sustained adoption and evolution of AI, VITRO continues to build ahead of demand. The company is in the planning stage for its 12th data center and has already identified key sites for expansion, further cementing its leadership in the Philippine data center landscape.

PLDT Group’s continued investment in data centers and international connectivity supports its broader mission to bridge the digital divide and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—particularly SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

VITRO Marks its Silver Year as the Philippines’ Data Center Pioneer

VITRO Inc., the country’s largest data center operator and a subsidiary of ePLDT, is celebrating its silver anniversary this August, marking a quarter-century of enabling digital transformation for hundreds of enterprises and institutions across the Philippines.

Established in 2000 with the launch of the Philippines’ first-ever commercial data center in Pasig, VITRO has grown into the country’s largest data center network, with over 13,400 racks nationwide. From a single 4MW site, it now powers the mission-critical operations of over 400 local and global companies across key industries and sectors—a testament to the visionary leadership of PLDT Group Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan to build digital infrastructures that benefit the digital lives of Filipinos.

“For 25 years, VITRO has been more than a network of data centers—it’s been building our country’s digital foundation,” said Victor S. Genuino, President and CEO of ePLDT and VITRO Inc. “We’ve built the infrastructure, the capabilities, and the trust that Filipino businesses have relied on—and will continue to rely on—in a digital-first future.”

Built to Lead

From the outset, VITRO was designed to establish the benchmark for the industry. As the Philippines’ first provider of enterprise-grade data centers, it has continuously evolved to support the country’s growing digital landscape, expanding its capabilities to serve the newest technologies—from cloud to artificial intelligence—all in alignment with global standards.

A major milestone in its recent journey was the launch of VITRO Santa Rosa, the Philippines’ first AI-ready hyperscale data center. Designed to support high-density and high-performance computing, the facility plays a crucial role in enabling enterprises, hyperscalers, the public sector and artificial intelligence workloads.

The company is already preparing for its next leap forward, with another data center in the pipeline, set to break ground in 2026. This expansion is part of VITRO’s broader strategy to cement the Philippines’ position as a digital hub in Asia and beyond.

Investing in Talent Through VITRO Academy

Beyond infrastructure, VITRO has also invested heavily in people. Through its flagship program, the VITRO Academy, the company is helping develop the next generation of Filipino data center professionals.

Launched as a three-tier micro-credential program, VITRO Academy is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and the evolving demands of the Philippines’ fast-growing data center industry. In partnership with five esteemed institutions—National University, Asia Pacific College, Ateneo de Naga University, Far Eastern University-Roosevelt, and Wesleyan University—VITRO has trained over 400 students to date. Of these, 263 have earned Level One certification, 60 have progressed to Level Two, and 40 have achieved Level Three, equipping them to operate in live data center environments upon graduation.

“You can’t build a digital-powered economy without developing talent,” said Genuino. “VITRO Academy ensures that we’re not just building platforms — we’re empowering young Filipinos to become future tech leaders.”

Looking Ahead: The Next 25 Years

As it celebrates this milestone year, VITRO is setting its sights firmly on the future. The company aims to further deepen collaboration with industry and government partners to co-create innovations that will accelerate the country’s digital competitiveness.

VITRO’s forward-looking agenda includes accelerating cloud and AI adoption, enhancing digital ecosystems that promote sectoral collaboration and innovation, and building future-ready data centers to transform the Philippines’ digital landscape.

“Our silver anniversary is more than a celebration of longevity,” said Genuino. “It’s a reaffirmation of our mission. From the banks that manage your finances, to the government agencies delivering public services, to the online platforms driving commerce — we exist to support them all.”

“Twenty-five years in, our mission remains the same,” Genuino added. “To build, empower, and enable a Digital Philippines — one that is inclusive, competitive, and confidently prepared for the future.”

To learn more about VITRO, please visit vitrodc.com.

VITRO Inc. Sets Benchmark in Data Center Excellence, Led by AI-Ready Santa Rosa Site

VITRO Inc., the data center arm of the PLDT Group and a wholly-owned subsidiary of ePLDT, continues to raise the bar for digital infrastructure in the Philippines, with all its flagship data centers now Rated 3 certified for both design and facility under the globally recognized TIA-942 standard. Leading this portfolio is VITRO Santa Rosa (VSR), the country’s first AI-ready, hyperscale data center, built to meet Rated 4 standards.

VITRO Santa Rosa has held its TIA-942 Rated 3 Design Certification since June 2023—affirming its long-standing commitment to world-class reliability, resilience, and operations across its data center footprint.

“Our flagship facilities, including VITRO Santa Rosa, are Rated 3 certified based on the TIA-942 standard,” said Victor S. Genuino, President and CEO of ePLDT and VITRO Inc. “These milestones go beyond design validation—they demonstrate VITRO’s long-standing leadership in building and operating world-class data centers at scale.”

Genuino emphasized that VSR was purpose-built to serve the world’s most advanced digital enterprises. With 50 megawatts of total power capacity and over 4,500 racks, it is the largest and most advanced operational data center of its kind in the Philippines. “It is hyperscale by design and AI-ready by infrastructure. VSR is where cloud and AI converge, giving enterprises an optimal environment where they can grow and innovate in the AI era,” he added.

Strategically located outside of Metro Manila’s hazard zones, VSR is optimized for uninterrupted operations. It is carrier-neutral with access to seven major telcos and carriers, offering clients unmatched network diversity and flexibility. Earlier this year, VSR also became the home of the country’s first NVIDIA-powered GPU servers of ePLDT. With these GPU servers hosted in VSR, ePLDT becomes the trusted local AI Enabler to Philippine enterprises— offering a full stack solution that addresses high-performance computing, ensures data sovereignty and security, and low latency. ePLDT’s AI Stack, the first-of-its-kind in the Philippines, also enables on-demand access to powerful AI computing resources without the need for enterprises to make costly investments in physical infrastructure.

“Our goal has always been to position the Philippines as a digital and AI innovation hub,” said Manuel V. Pangilinan, Chairman of PLDT, VITRO's parent company. “With VITRO Santa Rosa and our broader data center ecosystem, we are building the infrastructure backbone needed to power industries, accelerate AI adoption, and drive long-term national progress.”

VSR is fully integrated into PLDT’s and the rest of the country’s domestic fiber network and connected globally via international subsea cable systems, including Jupiter, Asia Direct Cable, and the upcoming Apricot. This is further reinforced by its telco-neutral setup, enabling robust cross-network connectivity and resilience.

PLDT Group’s continued investment in data centers and international connectivity supports its broader mission to bridge the digital divide and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—particularly SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

VITRO Inc. and Nokia Collaborate to Advance AI-Ready Data Center Solutions in the Philippines

VITRO Inc., a subsidiary of ePLDT and the data center arm of PLDT Inc. in the Philippines, has partnered with Nokia, a global leader in telecommunications and network infrastructure solutions, to bring cutting-edge network technologies to the Philippine market. The two companies recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on AI-driven data center solutions that will enhance network security, scalability, and efficiency.

The partnership will leverage VITRO’s world-class data center infrastructure and Nokia’s advanced network technologies to develop data center solutions tailored for AI workloads, including Generative AI (GenAI) training and inference. The agreement also covers the exploration of technology solutions and commercial models that will set VITRO apart in the market.

As part of this initiative, VITRO is conducting multiple Proof-of-Concept (PoC) trials with Nokia. Among the solutions being tested is Quantum-Safe Networking (QSN), which will strengthen VITRO’s Data Center Interconnect (DCI) infrastructure by using encryption algorithms resistant to quantum computing. This ensures data confidentiality and integrity, protecting VITRO customers from future quantum-based cyber threats.

“We are excited to collaborate with Nokia to drive AI adoption in the Philippines,” said Victor S. Genuino, President and CEO of ePLDT & VITRO Inc. “This partnership reinforces our commitment to delivering secure, innovative data center solutions that empower businesses in the AI era.”

The collaboration will also enhance VITRO’s DCI design and deployment strategies. VITRO aims to integrate Nokia’s advanced networking technologies, including Data Center Fabric with Event-Driven Automation (EDA), Data Center Gateway Routers with AnySec, AI-Supported Operations (AI-Ops), and Quantum-Safe IP/Optical Transport solutions. These enhancements will create a more scalable, automated, and secure environment optimized for AI, cloud, and mission-critical applications.

"Nokia is committed to supporting the digital transformation of enterprises in the Philippines, and we believe that our partnership with Vitro will play a significant role in achieving this goal," said Xulei Sang, Senior Vice President and Head of Network Infrastructure for Nokia APAC.

The MoU signing was witnessed by Gary F. Ignacio, Chief Commercial Officer of VITRO Inc., and Anthony Valdez, Nokia Philippines Country Manager, along with key executives from both companies.