DICT sees $30-B investments under 7-year AI infra masterplan

The Philippines is expected to attract around $30 billion worth of investments in the digital and artificial intelligence (AI) sector with the government’s Philippines AI+ Infrastructure Masterplan (PAIIM) 2033, according to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

“We are targeting to build 1.5 gigawatts (GW) of AI-ready data center capacity,” DICT Secretary Henry Aguda told reporters at the sidelines of the agency’s 10th year anniversary celebration in Quezon City.

The PAIIM seeks to strengthen the country’s AI and digital infrastructure ecosystem while positioning the Philippines as a regional hub for artificial intelligence, innovation, and digital industries.

The PAIIM 2033 outlines the country's long-term strategy for developing AI-ready infrastructure, expanding digital connectivity, enabling high-performance computing capabilities, fostering AI innovation, and attracting investments in digital industries.

Aguda said the DICT is estimating about $30 billion worth of investments in the next seven years under the AI masterplan.

The DICT chief said the PAIIM is expected be approved by the Economy and Development (ED) Council, chaired by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., by July.

Aguda said the PAIIM was already approved at the INFRACOM level.

Early this month, members of the ED Council's Infrastructure Committee (INFRACOM), chaired by Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, met to discuss key initiatives aimed at accelerating infrastructure development, advancing digital transformation, and improving the implementation of priority government projects.

The masterplan was then elevated to the ED Council for confirmation and final approval.

Apart from 1.5-GW AI-ready data center capacity, the PAIIM is also seen to generate 500,000 AI-related jobs as well as a potential 10% to 12% uplift in gross domestic product (GDP) through increased productivity and digital transformation. --VAL, GMA News