Data Is As Critical as Utilities
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized on Wednesday that data has become as essential in daily life as water and electricity. This statement was made during the inauguration of a new hyperscale data center in Santa Rosa, a 50-megawatt facility designed to support global leaders in cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
“In today’s world, data is as critical as water and electricity. We need to strengthen further our digital infrastructure, especially for critical, private, and confidential data. We need to safeguard our digital security. We need to secure our digital future,” the President said in his address.
Understanding the Role of the Data Center
He explained that, much like a warehouse stores physical goods, a data center holds digital information such as emails, videos, business documents, government files, and mobile applications. “It keeps everything running safely and securely, twenty-four hours seven days a week,” he added.
This mega-infrastructure acts as a vital shield for sensitive data across both public and private sectors, serving as a key tool in the digital age.
Relating Data Security to Everyday Life
The President creatively compared securing digital information to managing personal relationships in today’s world. “Itong mga panahon na ito, paano natin nalalaman kapag in a relationship na ang dalawang tao? Nowadays, they call it an Instagram hard launch—posting of romantic pictures (on) IG (with a) caption ‘Found my Forever’ or such like,” he shared.
He continued, “Mayroon ding soft launch. I look at the social media posts of Sandro, siya ang nagturo sa akin nito.”
Regarding how breakups become evident, he said, “Paano mo naman malalaman kung hiwalay na? Nag-unfollow at nag-block na kaagad. Burahan ng picture. Pero minsan, napapasilip pa rin sa archive, na nagbabaka-sakaling may naiwan pang picture. Parang may memories.”
Building a People-Centered Digital Future
The launch of this landmark information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure reflects the administration’s vision for a future where technology and human connection seamlessly coexist.
Strategically linked to an extensive subsea cable network connecting Asia, the United States, and Europe, this flagship data center reinforces the Philippines’ role as a vital digital gateway to the global economy.
Meeting Global Demand with the AI-Ready Data Center
The new facility is the country’s first AI-ready hyperscale data center, signaling its preparedness to meet the rising global demand for cloud services and artificial intelligence infrastructure. It also sends a strong message to technology investors about the Philippines’ vast potential as a strategic hub for digital growth.
For more updates on digital infrastructure and technology advancements, visit Filipinokami.com.