The Philippines stands at a critical crossroads in its digital transformation program, but leaders warn that ambition alone won’t be enough. At the 2025 Globe Business G Summit, industry experts underscored the urgent need for a coordinated digital backbone—arguing that without it, the country’s goal of becoming a regional hub for connectivity, cloud, and content will remain out of reach.
The breakout session, “Unlocking Powerful Connections to Fuel the Future of Philippine Infrastructure,” highlighted the limitations of siloed infrastructure and called for a unified approach.
Executives emphasized that solo efforts by telcos, data centers, and cable operators must give way to shared systems that scale efficiently and serve national interests.
Cocoy Claravall, VP of Globe Business’ Wholesale Division, outlined a roadmap centered on shared infrastructure models like the Managed Optical Fiber Network (MOFN). With support from platforms like ProAssure, Globe aims to enable hyperscalers and carriers to build flexible, transparent, and scalable networks. “We’re enabling ecosystems—from subsea to cloud,” Claravall said. “And that means building infrastructure that’s flexible and future-ready.”
Kian Soon Wong of Ciena added that MOFN and Managed Spectrum offer clients real-time visibility, operational flexibility, and scalability—without sacrificing managed service support. “It’s a collaboration model—not just a tech solution,” Wong said.
From the data center perspective, STT GDC Philippines CEO Carlo Malana pointed to growing hyperscaler interest in the country, citing their Cavite and Fairview campuses as signs of operational momentum. “Philippine infrastructure is no longer aspirational—it’s operational,” he said, urging for rapid, responsible scaling.
KD Dizon, head of Globe Business, framed the issue as one of national importance. “If we want real digital progress in the Philippines, we need to co-create the grid that will carry it,” she said, stressing the need for alignment and shared intent across sectors.
The summit closed with a disruptor dialogue calling for seamless interconnection, aligned policies, and joint investments. The consensus: the Philippines has the potential to lead in the digital age—but only if the industry can move as one.
Bottom line: The future of Philippine digital infrastructure hinges not on ambition, but on alignment. Without coordinated, ecosystem-driven efforts, the country risks being left behind.
