Google eyes deeper ties with Phl on digital infra, workforce dev't

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is exploring a strategic partnership with Google to strengthen the Philippines’ digital infrastructure and workforce capabilities.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque met with Google Vice President and Global Head for Government Affairs and Public Policy Karan Bhatia on 15 May in Jeju, South Korea, during the APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting. Discussions centered on advancing data center infrastructure, enhancing internet connectivity, and expanding cooperation in digital skills development.

“The Philippines stands ready to be a vital partner in the global digital value chain. With our young, tech-savvy population and rapidly strengthening infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for inclusive innovation and sustainable growth,” said Roque.

The trade secretary highlighted the country’s growing role in electronics, semiconductors, and machinery exports, as well as its potential to support advanced manufacturing operations for major tech firms like Google. She also cited Google’s contributions to subsea internet cable investments and support for the IT-BPM sector since it began operations in the country in 2013.

With 110 million citizens and strong digital habits, the Philippines is becoming a key destination for hyperscaler firms. Roque pointed to government incentives through the CREATE MORE law and the country’s robust digital infrastructure, including 19 international subsea cables, 13 cable landing stations, over 840,000 km of domestic fiber optics, and 25 data centers with a total rack capacity of 19,000.

Hyperscalers refer to large-scale data centers designed to handle massive volumes of data and support high-demand applications. Unlike traditional on-site data centers, hyperscalers are built for scalability, enabling tech companies to deliver cloud services, storage, and computing power on a much larger and more efficient scale. These facilities are essential for supporting global digital platforms, including streaming, e-commerce, and enterprise solutions.

Roque reaffirmed government support for hyperscaler growth through policies on talent development, intellectual property protection, and data privacy and cybersecurity. She also praised Google’s partnership with DTI on the Google Career Certificates program, now being implemented through more than 1,300 Negosyo Centers across 16 regions.

The secretary called for deeper collaboration to enhance digital programs for MSMEs, especially women and youth entrepreneurs.

“MSMEs are the backbone of the Philippine economy. Empowering them with digital tools and capabilities ensures that no one is left behind in the country’s innovation journey,” Roque said.

Looking ahead to the Philippines' ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026, she invited Google to play a leading role in advancing regional priorities on digital inclusion, cross-border e-commerce, and cybersecurity.