As part of the Philippines’ digital transformation priorities, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque engaged with global tech leader Google on May 15 to explore strategic opportunities that will enhance the country’s digital infrastructure and capability.
Held on the sidelines of the APEC-MRT 2025, the meeting focused on advancing data center infrastructure and internet connectivity, and deepening cooperation in digital workforce development. This initiative reflects the government’s broader efforts to attract high-value investments aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s digital transformation agenda.
“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,” Secretary Roque underscored.
Secretary Roque also emphasized the Philippines’ strategic role in the global value chain, citing the country’s top exports which include electronics, semiconductors, machinery, and equipment. Additionally, she highlighted the Philippines’ capacity to support advanced manufacturing for tech giants like Google.
The trade chief also lauded Google’s continued contribution to the country’s digital landscape, particularly its investments in subsea internet cable development and the IT-BPM sector.
Since establishing its operations in the Philippines in 2013, Google Philippines has supported the company’s global functions through customer and operational support services.
With a population of 110 million and strong digital consumption habits, the Philippines is poised to become a strategic destination for hyperscaler companies. The government further bolsters this investment climate through pro-investment incentives under the CREATE MORE law and the country’s robust digital backbone. These include 19 international subsea cable systems, 13 cable landing stations, over 840,000 kilometers of domestic fiber optic rollout, and 25 operating commercial data centers with a combined rack capacity of 19,000.
In the meeting, Secretary Roque further reaffirmed the government’s steadfast commitment to supporting hyperscaler operations by advancing proactive measures. These include talent development, intellectual property protection, and data privacy and cybersecurity policies promotion.
On workforce development, Secretary Roque commended Google’s partnership with the DTI in advancing digital skills through the Google Career Certificates (GCC) program. Rolled out in 2024, the initiative is being implemented through over 1,300 Negosyo Centers across 16 regions.
The trade secretary also urged deepening the partnership between DTI and Google to support capacity and capability-building programs for MSMEs in the Philippines, with a focus on 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,” Secretary Roque emphasized.
Looking ahead to the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship in 2026, Secretary Roque invited Google to be a key partner in championing regional digital priorities, highlighting that digital inclusion, cross-border e-commerce, and cybersecurity across Southeast Asia requires bold collaboration.
The engagement was held with Google’s Vice President and Global Head for Government Affairs and Public Policy, Mr. Karan Bhatia; Google Cloud’s Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy-Southeast Asia Cluster, Ms. Su Ann Lim; Asia Pacific Head of Trade Policy and Competitiveness, Mr. Darry Lim; and the DTI’s Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Seoul Commercial Attaché, Honorable Charmaine Mignon S. Yalong.
The DTI remains committed to continue working with global technology leaders like Google to strengthen the Philippines’ position as a competitive hub for digital infrastructure, and innovation in the region. Through strategic collaboration and practical policy support, the government aims to drive innovation, expand economic opportunities, and ensure that digital growth is inclusive and sustainable.
