Google Pledges Continued Support for a Thriving Digital Philippines
Google Pledges Continued Support for a Thriving Digital Philippines
Google solidified its dedication to fostering a “Digital Philippines” during the recent US Presidential and Trade Investment Meeting (PTIM) held at Malacañang Palace. Sharing updates on their ongoing initiatives, Google highlighted their focus on both digital upskilling and infrastructure development.
Expanding Google Career Certificates with DTI
Building on the initial distribution of 40,000 Google Career Certificates (GCC) scholarships, Google partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). This collaboration will see the rollout of additional GCC programs through DTI virtual campuses, encompassing over 1,300 DTI Negosyo Centers across 16 Philippine regions.
The GCC program equips Filipinos with vital skills in high-demand fields like project management, cybersecurity, IT support, data analytics, UX design, and digital marketing. This initiative empowers Filipino youth, jobseekers, entrepreneurs, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and civil servants to become more competitive in the digital landscape.
TPU Subsea Cable Project on Schedule
Google Pledges Continued Support also emphasized the progress of the TPU (Taiwan-Philippines-United States) subsea cable system. Announced in collaboration with regional carriers Chunghwa Telecom, Innove (Globe Group subsidiary), and AT&T back in May 2023, the project is well on track for completion by the end of 2025.
Subsea cables are crucial for facilitating the rising demand for cloud-based services and digital solutions among individuals and organizations. They also unlock significant trade and investment opportunities, ultimately boosting a nation’s productivity. Improved internet access fosters societal modernization. People gain access to new skillsets that unlock career doors, while businesses and government institutions find a springboard for enhanced productivity through digital transformation. A 2020 study revealed that Google’s network investments in the Philippines yielded an additional US$14 billion in GDP and created an impressive 93,000 jobs.
Welcoming a Robust Digital Future
“We express our deepest gratitude to Google for their relentless investments in shaping a Digital Philippines, encompassing both digital skills training and digital infrastructure improvements,” declared Secretary Frederick D. Go of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA). “These contributions will undoubtedly act as a catalyst for our nation’s burgeoning digital economy. We foresee this as the beginning of a mutually beneficial collaboration, and we look forward to working closely with Google to realize the vision of a Digital Philippines.”
“At Google, we firmly believe in the Philippines’ potential, and we have actively invested in the nation’s digital advancement,” remarked Sapna Chadha, Vice President for Google Southeast Asia and South Asia Frontier. “This includes empowering Filipinos with digital skills and bolstering the country’s digital infrastructure. Our commitment has translated into substantial economic benefits for the Philippines, with our network investments alone contributing US$14 billion to the GDP and creating 93,000 jobs. These outcomes drive us to further solidify our partnership with the Philippines, working tirelessly as a partner to build a robust digital economy.”
By fostering digital skills development and spearheading infrastructural advancements like the TPU subsea cable project, Google is laying the groundwork for a thriving digital future in the Philippines.
