This direction was spotlighted at the P&A Grant Thornton Economic and Industry Forum, “P&Anorama: 2026 Economic Outlook and Industry Shifts Unpacked,” where PLDT and Smart vice resident for IT intelligent automation technologies Branden Dean explained how AI is redefining customer connectivity and operational efficiency.
“Connectivity today goes beyond access—it is about intelligence, agility, and personalization,” Dean said.
AI in action
Speaking before business leaders and subject matter experts, Dean outlined how PLDT is using AI to understand customer behavior, deliver hyper-personalized services, and take proactive action.
Examples include:
Predictive analytics that anticipate network issues.
AI-powered virtual agents that improve customer care.
Robotic process automation (RPA) platforms that streamline workflows, cut costs, and boost efficiency.
Dean acknowledged hurdles remain, such as legacy systems, cybersecurity threats, and the need to strengthen digital adoption while upskilling talent.
Hyperscale leap
Supporting these ambitions, PLDT recently unveiled the country’s first AI-ready hyperscale data center, VITRO Santa Rosa (VSR), designed specifically for AI workloads.
Built in Laguna’s growing tech corridor by ePLDT subsidiary VITRO Inc., the facility has a 50-megawatt capacity and now hosts live GPU servers powering ePLDT’s AI Stack solution. This service gives enterprises access to powerful computing resources without requiring their own advanced infrastructure.
Regional hub potential
Fully integrated into PLDT’s nationwide fiber network and global subsea cable systems, VSR ensures high availability, scalability, and security.
The project strengthens the Philippines’ push to become a regional hub for digital innovation, attract foreign investment, and foster local tech development.
Looking ahead
Dean closed by underscoring the urgency of the moment: “It’s not about whether we should transform—it’s about how bold, how quick, and how human-centric we can make it.”
As the PLDT Group continues its transformation, it remains focused on creating real value—not only for customers and enterprise partners but also for communities and the country’s digital future. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
