The high-level engagement — held on the sidelines of the APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade (APEC-MRT) 2025 meetings on Jeju Island, South Korea — aligns with the administration’s broader agenda to attract high-value investments and solidify the country’s position in the global digital value chain.
Global digital value chain
“The Philippines stands ready to be a vital partner in the global digital value chain. With our young, tech-savvy population and rapidly strengthening infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for inclusive innovation and sustainable growth,” said Roque in a statement.
She highlighted the country’s leading exports—including electronics, semiconductors, and machinery—as proof of its capability to support advanced manufacturing for global tech players like Google.
Roque also commended Google for its investments in subsea internet cable systems and support of the Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) sector.
Since establishing its Philippine operations in 2013, Google has provided critical support functions through customer service and operational hubs in the country.
Hub for hyperscaler operations
With a population of 110 million, strong digital engagement, and robust infrastructure—including 19 international subsea cables, 13 landing stations, 840,000 kilometers of fiber optic network, and 25 commercial data centers—the Philippines is emerging as a strategic hub for hyperscaler operations.
Roque reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enabling hyperscaler growth through policies that enhance talent development, data privacy, intellectual property protection, and cybersecurity.
A focal point of the discussion was the Google Career Certificates (GCC) program. Rolled out in 2024 in partnership with the DTI, it aims to equip Filipinos with in-demand digital skills.
Currently implemented through 1,300+ Negosyo Centers across 16 regions, the initiative has provided accessible online training to thousands of Filipinos, especially in remote and underserved areas.
Boosting MSMEs' digital capability
Roque also encouraged deepening Google’s partnership with DTI to boost digital capability building for MSMEs, particularly women and youth entrepreneurs. She emphasized the critical role of MSMEs in driving grassroots economic growth.
“MSMEs are the backbone of the Philippine economy. Empowering them with digital tools and capabilities ensures that no one is left behind in the country’s innovation journey,” she said.
As the Philippines prepares to assume the ASEAN Chairship in 2026, Secretary Roque invited Google to be a key partner in championing regional digital priorities. She stressed the importance of collaboration in advancing digital inclusion, cross-border e-commerce, and cybersecurity across Southeast Asia.
Google’s delegation included Karan Bhatia, vice president and global head for government affairs and public Policy; Su Ann Lim, Google Cloud’s head of government affairs for Southeast Asia; and Darry Lim, Asia Pacific head of trade policy and competitiveness. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
