Baler: The Philippines' efforts to attract major data center players received a significant boost from a USD31-M high-grade cable landing station (CLS) project in Baler, Aurora, being developed by a Filipino and Japanese-owned telecommunications firm. In a recent media interview, InfiniVAN Chief Technology Officer Alberto Espedido shared updates on the progress of the Baler CLS, which is slated for completion within the year.

According to Philippines News Agency, Espedido detailed that the groundbreaking of the project occurred on August 6, 2025, at Suklayin-Buhangin Road, Baler, Aurora. The facility is set to be connected to other submarine digital lines, promising faster internet access across the country. Initially allocated a USD16 million budget, the project saw a proposed expansion during its construction, necessitating an additional USD15 million.

The expansion will enable the facility to accommodate up to five international submarine fiber optic systems, Espedido explained. This development aligns with the government's National Broadband Plan and supports the vision of making the Philippines a digital leader in the Asia Pacific, as noted by Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda.

Espedido highlighted that InfiniVAN currently operates two international submarine systems located in Aurora province and La Union, which are anticipated to provide multiple terabytes of capacity for data transmission. He also noted the presence of several confidential projects, including data centers, that will benefit from the CLS facility.

On the same day, InfiniVAN Inc., a broadband service provider registered with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), entered into a trilateral partnership with Gnani Innovations Private Limited and IPS Pro. This collaboration aims to enhance customer service engagement and support through the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital infrastructure.