PLDT scales up AI plans

Pangilinan-led PLDT Inc. is ramping up its push to expand the local use of artificial intelligence (AI) through investments in infrastructure, new leadership roles, and programs aimed at businesses, government, and communities.

“With our AI-ready ecosystem, and our investments in our infrastructure and in our people, the PLDT Group is ready to help more Filipino communities, businesses, and enterprises embrace and harness the benefits of AI to boost productivity, competitiveness, and innovation,” PLDT Senior Vice President and Head of Enterprise Business Group Blums S. Pineda said Thursday.

PLDT’s AI push spans both community and enterprise use. Through Smart Communications, Inc., the group is extending AI initiatives to schools, local governments, non-government organizations, MSMEs, and media groups. 

Pineda said PLDT Enterprise is also developing AI use cases for sectors including banking and financial services, business process outsourcing, healthcare, government, and utilities.

A key part of the strategy is VITRO Sta. Rosa (VSR), the country’s first hyperscale data center built for AI workloads, developed by PLDT data center arm, VITRO Inc.

VSR hosts Pilipinas AI, described as the country’s first sovereign AI solutions stack, which allows enterprises to use AI without building their own infrastructure while keeping data and workloads hosted locally.

Last year, PLDT and Smart launched AI-in-a-Box in 2025 to provide communities with AI tools, connectivity, and training, reaching local government workers, students, teachers, MSMEs, and business owners nationwide. 

PLDT and Smart have also rolled out AI programs focused on accessibility, media training, and youth innovation, including a student hackathon that developed data- and AI-driven solutions to public-sector challenges.

“We are not just introducing communities to AI. We are leading the way in championing its responsible and meaningful use,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, assistant vice president and head of stakeholder engagement at PLDT and Smart. 

“Across schools, local government units, enterprises, and media, we are actively pushing for AI adoption that improves how people work, serve, and create value in their communities. Our role is to make sure AI is not intimidating or exclusive, but empowering and usable today.”