Converge ICT Solutions Inc. is positioning itself to support the Philippines’ emerging artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced manufacturing ecosystem, as the proposed Pax Silica Industrial Hub creates potential demand for connectivity and computing infrastructure.
Converge co-founder and CEO Dennis Anthony Uy said the initiative could attract investments and create jobs, but its success would depend on the country’s ability to provide the basic infrastructure needed by high-value industries, including reliable power, water, communications, and skilled workers.
“Pax Silica is good for our country. Number one, it’s an investment. It’s a job opportunity. But you need to understand infrastructure, water, skills of the people,” Uy said.
For Converge, the opportunity lies less in manufacturing components and more in providing the digital backbone that advanced manufacturing facilities would require. This includes high-capacity connectivity and AI computing infrastructure.
The company is also exploring opportunities in the planned ICT infrastructure project in New Clark City, where it already has a presence. Uy said connectivity would be a basic requirement for the development of the Pax Silica hub.
The potential expansion of AI infrastructure also comes as Converge anticipates rising demand from hyperscalers and data centers. Uy said these facilities should not be viewed as a threat, arguing that the Philippines will need substantially more cloud and AI capacity as digitalization and data localization accelerate.
Converge is also set to join PLDT and Globe in a proposed USD500-million nationwide submarine cable network, which Uy said would strengthen connectivity and improve the country’s resilience during disasters.
Beyond telecommunications, the project could support seabed sensing for earthquake and tsunami monitoring, as well as maritime defense applications, he said.
The broader push suggests that the Philippines’ race to attract advanced manufacturing investment will depend not only on factories and incentives, but also on the digital infrastructure connecting them to global supply chains.
