Google reaffirmed its dedication to advancing the Digital Philippines program during the recent US Presidential and Trade Investment Meeting in Malacañang. The company pledged to assist in the nation's digital growth by focusing on both digital skills training and infrastructure enhancement.
Google announced plans to broaden the reach of its Google Career Certificates across the Philippines. These certificates, aimed at equipping learners, jobseekers, MSMEs, entrepreneurs, and civil servants with essential digital skills, will now be available in over 1,300 DTI Negosyo Centers spanning 16 regions in the country. This initiative builds upon the distribution of 40,000 certificates in critical areas such as project management, cybersecurity, IT support, data analytics, UX design, and digital marketing.
Taiwan-Philippines-United States Subsea Cable System
In addition to its skilling initiatives, Google highlighted progress on the TPU (Taiwan-Philippines-United States) subsea cable system, announced in collaboration with regional carriers Chunghwa Telecom, Innove (a subsidiary of Globe Group), and AT&T in May 2023. This infrastructure project is on track for completion by the end of 2025. Subsea cables like the TPU system play a pivotal role in meeting the escalating demand for digital and cloud-based services from users and organizations.
Government Acknowledgment and Appreciation
Secretary Frederick D. Go of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA) expressed gratitude to Google for its continued investments in the Philippines, emphasizing the positive impact on the nation's digital economy. He anticipates enhanced collaboration between the government and Google to realize the vision of a Digital Philippines.
Sapna Chadha, Vice President for Google Southeast Asia and South Asia Frontier, reiterated Google's recognition of the Philippines' potential and its active investment in the country's digital development. She emphasized the significant economic benefits already realized, citing network investments that boosted GDP by U.S. $14 billion and created 93,000 jobs. Chadha expressed Google's motivation to deepen collaboration and continue efforts in building a robust digital economy in the Philippines.
As Google strengthens its commitment to supporting a Digital Philippines, stakeholders anticipate accelerated progress in digital skilling and infrastructure development, paving the way for greater economic opportunities and competitiveness in the global digital landscape
