Converge ICT Solutions Inc. is advancing plans for a 200-hectare “tech city” in Pampanga. The development is expected to host artificial intelligence (AI), research and software design facilities, and it has been described as the Philippines’ version of Silicon Valley.
The project would span two locations in the province: about 20 hectares in Angeles City and 180 hectares in the town of Mexico. Laboratories and training centers are also planned to build a pipeline of skilled workers.
The development is intended to address gaps in the country’s technology workforce, particularly in AI, where formal training remains limited. Converge chief executive Dennis Anthony Uy asked, “Where is our proper AI education? It’s not there.” Developing such talent takes at least three to four years. Uy, a native of Pampanga, described the initiative as a way of giving back to the next generation as he approaches retirement at age 60.
The proposal is to be presented to First Lady Liza Marcos and local officials, including Mexico Mayor Ruding Gonzales. It was announced at the inauguration of Converge’s largest data center, in Angeles City.
The Angeles facility cost nearly ₱5 billion and sits on a 5,000-square-meter property. It has a capacity of 12 megawatts and is the largest of Converge’s four data centers. The others are in Caloocan, Pasig and Clark, Pampanga.
The site’s current operating load is 3 megawatts, and it can expand to 36 megawatts depending on demand. It is certified Tier III by the Uptime Institute. Offices of the executive and judicial branches already use it, and the University of the Philippines is working with Converge to train information technology leaders there.
Details of the tech city have changed since the project was first described. In May 2023, the acquired land was put at more than 200 hectares and the cost at no less than $1 billion. At least one foreign partner was needed, and Middle East investors had shown interest. The master plan, a government license and economic zone papers were still pending.
A February 2024 description cited a 117-hectare property straddling Mexico and Angeles City, with consultants including Egis Group, 10 Design, EY Philippines–SGV & Co. and Colliers. The Singapore firm 10 Design leads planning and architecture for a 130-hectare master plan that includes Converge’s corporate headquarters, training institutes, housing and an event space.
