The government’s proposed artificial intelligence infrastructure roadmap could attract as much as $12 billion in private investments, create more than 500,000 jobs, and boost the country’s gross domestic product by up to 12%, according to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
The projections are contained in the Philippines AI+ Infrastructure Masterplan 2033 (PAIIM 2033), which was approved by the Cabinet-level Infrastructure Committee (Infracom) on June 3 and elevated to the Economy and Development (ED) Council chaired by Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for confirmation and final approval.
A key component of the roadmap is the development of up to 1.5 gigawatts of AI-ready data center capacity by 2033, a scale that would significantly expand the country’s digital infrastructure as demand for artificial intelligence computing resources grows.
The DICT said the plan seeks to address gaps in the country’s AI infrastructure, particularly in computing capacity, data center development, and digital connectivity, areas where the Philippines continues to lag behind regional leaders despite relatively strong rankings in AI governance and adoption.
The roadmap outlines investments in data centers, high-performance computing facilities, digital connectivity, renewable energy, talent development, and regulatory reforms designed to support the growth of AI-related industries.
“Countries that build the infrastructure of the AI economy today will attract the investments, industries, and high-value jobs of tomorrow. PAIIM 2033 ensures that the Philippines is prepared not only to adopt AI, but to become a regional leader in powering it,” DICT secretary Henry R. Aguda said.
According to the DICT, the plan aims to generate more than half a million AI-related jobs while attracting between $8 billion and $12 billion in private-sector investments.
The agency also projects that increased productivity and wider digital transformation could contribute a 10% to 12% uplift in national GDP.
The master plan builds on existing government initiatives such as the National Digital Connectivity Plan, National AI Strategy for the Philippines, National AI Strategy Roadmap 2.0, National Cybersecurity Plan, and the Philippine Energy Plan.
If approved by the ED Council and Marcos Jr., the roadmap will be institutionalized through an executive order that will establish governance mechanisms and make AI infrastructure development a national priority.
The DICT said the initiative is intended to position the Philippines not only as a user of artificial intelligence technologies but also as a regional hub for AI infrastructure, innovation, and digital industries.
