Valenzuela City is taking bold steps toward becoming the Philippines’ own Silicon Valley — and Globe is helping power that vision by providing crucial connectivity to the city’s upcoming Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Hub.
This initiative is part of the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s (DICT) “Digital Bayanihan” campaign, which aims to future-proof the country and bridge the digital divide. With the support of Globe and other industry players, the Valenzuela ICT Hub is expected to generate up to 8 million jobs by 2028.
“Our job doesn’t stop at providing access,” said Froilan Castelo, President of the Philippine Chamber of Telecommunication Operators (PCTO) and Globe Group General Counsel. “Real impact means turning access into opportunities—educational outcomes for students, growth for micro and small businesses, and safe, confident participation in the digital economy.”
Castelo made these remarks during the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between DICT and the Valenzuela City Government, formalizing the launch of this ambitious digital hub.
‘Silicon Valenzuela’ comes to life
Inspired by California’s Silicon Valley, the Valenzuela ICT Hub envisions a thriving ecosystem for tech-driven growth. Plans include green data centers, an ICT academy, coworking and incubation spaces, digital retail zones, and streamlined government services—all designed to support innovation and entrepreneurship.
Mayor Weslie Gatchalian, who first envisioned the project in 2022, says it’s time for Valenzuela to evolve from a manufacturing powerhouse into a digital innovation hub. “We already have ValTech, and next is the ICT Academy,” Gatchalian said. He also announced the formation of a technical working group to conduct feasibility studies and determine the project’s full cost.
The ICT Academy will rise on a 1.9-hectare site and feature six interconnected buildings—housing classrooms, a BPO center, and even an ICT museum. The first building is scheduled for groundbreaking next year, pending funding.
Digital literacy: A national priority
While Valenzuela currently subsidizes tuition for over 15,000 college students, the country still faces a major challenge: nearly half of its workforce—42%—lacks basic digital skills. This gap underscores the urgency of programs like the Valenzuela ICT Hub, which aim not just to build infrastructure but to boost digital readiness nationwide.
“Digital literacy is our next frontier,” Castelo stressed. “We need to invest in education, data privacy, cyber safety, and critical skills—especially for our youth. In a world where risks grow as quickly as our reach, these competencies are vital.”
He added that the project’s success hinges on a unified effort among the government, private sector, civil society, and local communities. “Progress is never a solo journey. It’s built on shared goals and sustained partnerships.”
With Globe’s connectivity and the city’s vision, “Silicon Valenzuela” is well on its way to becoming a beacon of digital transformation in the Philippines.
