Dennis Anthony Uy, CEO of Converge ICT Solutions, Inc., the country’s fastest-growing telecommunications company, has expressed interest in investing in ICT infrastructure in New Clark City to provide connectivity for the Pax Silica Initiative.
Speaking to reporters after the launch of the DTI AI & Scale Up Center at the DTI Building in Makati on Tuesday, Uy said Converge supports Pax Silica because it would benefit the Philippines.
“Pax Silica is good for our country. Number one, it’s an investment. It’s a job opportunity,” he said.
“We can provide the AI infrastructure for high-manufacturing factories. We can provide AI computing for them,” he said.
Specifically, Uy said the company is looking to bid for the PHP2.5 billion ICT infrastructure project in New Clark City.
“We’re looking into it because if there’s no infrastructure, how can you become Pax Silica?,” he said citing the equally important role of ICT infra to that of power and water infrastructure for the AI Innovation Hub, the anchor project of Pax Silica, located in the 1,620 hectare area in New Clark City.
On the country’s readiness for the AI-focused initiative, Uy said, “Yes. Along the way, we’ll be ready.”
He expressed confidence in its bid for the ICT infra project, noting that Converge had already provided connectivity during the ASEAN Games held in New Clark City.
Meanwhile, Uy said the government spends about USD800 million annually on subscriptions to cloud and other digital service providers, which are located outside the country. He said the government could instead encourage these hyperscalers to establish operations in the Philippines, allowing them to pay taxes locally.
“So, we need to bring them here so that we’ll have income tax, outside, nothing will happen,” he said.
The founder of Converge also confirmed the planned USD500 million nationwide subsea cable project with telecommunications rivals PLDT Inc. and Globe Telecom Inc.
Uy personally presented the project during a meeting of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
AI Scale-up Center
Converge’s vision for ICT infrastructure in New Clark City is also the reason the company partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to establish the DTI AI & Scale Up Center. As a technology partner, Converge provides the underlying digital infrastructure, connectivity, and practical technology support needed to ensure that enterprises can deploy these tools reliably.
Uy said the partnership with the DTI demonstrates the company’s commitment to a smarter, stronger, and more globally competitive Philippines.
The initiative aims to transform micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by providing infrastructure for AI readiness, connectivity, and upskilling.
“Building the Foundation Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept; it is a present-day catalyst for scale, efficiency, and competitiveness. However, AI cannot thrive without the right foundation. You cannot have AI without the infrastructure in place. We have established the national digital infra,” he said.
By establishing infrastructure for AI readiness, Uy said Converge is providing MSMEs with access to data ecosystems and specialized software tools that were once out of reach for smaller businesses.
In partnership with Converge SME Solutions, the AI Scale-up Center ensures that high-speed, reliable, and enterprise-grade fiber internet powers this vision.
“The AI & Scale Up Center is built to be a hub for our entrepreneurs, managers, and workforce to have practical AI literacy, and data management skills. We aren’t just teaching people how to use tools—we are empowering our workforce to innovate, problem-solve, and lead in a tech-driven economy. Upskilling ensures that artificial intelligence augments human potential rather than replacing it,” he added.
Meanwhile, DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque noted that the center is not intended for startups but for those who want to upskill and scale up.
“This AI and Scale Up Center provides a realistic, accessible entry point for Filipino businesses to explore and adopt modern technology like AI. Scaling a business requires usable tools and expert guidance so that innovative ideas can turn into functional solutions. By bringing private tech leaders like Converge together with our local enterprises, we are giving businesses of all sizes the practical knowledge and connectivity they need to improve efficiency and stay competitive,” Secretary Roque said.
The center is free to those who want to upskill and is expected to empower more Filipinos to participate in the AI-driven economy, said Roque.
