During the US Presidential and Trade Investment Meeting in Malacañang (PTIM) this week, Google reiterated its pledge to foster a Digital Philippines by providing crucial updates on its ongoing initiatives in digital upskilling and infrastructure development.
In collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Google highlighted its expansion of Google Career Certificates (GCC) across DTI virtual campuses, spanning over 1,300 DTI Negosyo Centers in 16 regions nationwide.
This initiative extends the impact of the 40,000 GCC scholarships previously disbursed, empowering Filipino youths, jobseekers, MSMEs, entrepreneurs, and civil servants with sought-after skills in project management, cybersecurity, IT support, data analytics, UX design, and digital marketing.
READ:
The Asia Foundation, Google support 25,000 Filipinos with digital skills training
Google starts offering new AI skilling courses
“At Google, we recognize the Philippines’ potential and we have invested actively in the country’s digital development,” said Sapna Chadha, vice president for Google Southeast Asia and South Asia Frontier.
The investment comes in the form of digital skills training and digital infrastructure improvements. She also noted that the company’s commitment has yielded significant economic benefits for the Philippines with its network investments alone that boosted the GDP by $14 billion and created 93,000 jobs.
“These outcomes motivate us to further deepen our collaboration with the Philippines and our efforts as a partner in building a robust digital economy,” she said.
Collaborations
Google emphasized progress on the TPU (Taiwan-Philippines-United States) subsea cable system, announced in collaboration with regional carriers Chunghwa Telecom, Innove (a subsidiary of Globe Group), and AT&T in May 2023. Set to be completed by the end of 2025, this subsea cable infrastructure plays a pivotal role in meeting the escalating demand for digital and cloud-based services, fostering positive trade, investment, and productivity gains for the nation.
Enhanced internet accessibility catalyzes societal modernization, enabling individuals to acquire skills and knowledge for new job opportunities, while businesses and governments boost productivity through digital transformation. A 2020 study revealed that Google’s network investments in the Philippines contributed an additional $14 billion to the GDP and supported 93,000 additional jobs.
“These contributions will undoubtedly fuel our nation’s expanding digital economy,” said Secretary Frederick Go of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA). “We anticipate that this marks the start of a more fruitful collaboration, and we look forward to partnering closely with Google in the realization of a Digital Philippines.”