March 2026

• Rapid AI adoption in the Philippines is driving the need for globally competitive data center standards in performance, resilience, and sustainability.
• Schneider Electric and Digital Edge responded by developing NARRA1, Southeast Asia’s first dual-certified data center, setting a new benchmark for sustainable operations.
• Through partnerships with businesses, operators, and developers, Schneider Electric is helping position the Philippines as an emerging hub for resilient, energy-efficient, and sustainable data centers—ready for the next wave of AI-driven growth in Southeast Asia.

NARRA1, Southeast Asia’s first data center to earn dual global certifications located in Laguna Technopark, Biñan, was modernized by Digital Edge and Schneider Electric with resilient, energy-efficient systems to ensure stable operations amid rising AI and cloud workloads.

The Philippines’ data center market is expanding quickly as Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption drives the need for faster, more resilient, and sustainable infrastructure. To meet this rising demand, Schneider Electric, a global technology leader, and Digital Edge, a leading data center platform, accelerates the rollout of next-generation facilities, with NARRA1 emerging as Southeast Asia’s first data center to earn dual global certifications—setting a new benchmark for performance and sustainability in the region.

The Philippines’ data center sector is expanding quickly due to the use of artificial intelligence (AI), which is pushing the need for quicker, more resilient, and sustainable infrastructure. As the first data center in Southeast Asia to receive twin worldwide certifications, NARRA1 has raised the bar for sustainability and performance in the region. To address this increasing demand, Schneider Electric, a prominent global technology corporation, and Digital Edge, a premier data center platform, are speeding up the implementation of next-generation facilities.

“At Schneider Electric, we equip operators with advanced energy management and infrastructure solutions, helping make the Philippines a competitive destination for data center investment and enabling facilities like NARRA1 to meet the high standards of enterprises and hyperscale customers,” said Ireen Catane, Country President of Schneider Electric Philippines.

Positioned within Laguna Technopark in Biñan, Laguna, NARRA1 was modernized and scaled by Schneider Electric in partnership with Digital Edge, using efficient systems. Leveraging its global expertise in mission-critical environments, Schneider Electric integrated automatic transfer switches (ATS), uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and transformers to ensure stable power, built-in redundancy, and reliable operations. These solutions gave operators greater visibility, control, and predictability over energy use, enabling them to optimize efficiency, maintain uptime, and confidently scale operations to support growing AI and cloud workloads.

Aside from operational resilience and efficiency, sustainability is built into NARRA1’s design, which runs on 100% renewable energy and Schneider Electric-enabled high-efficiency electrical systems. With a market-leading annualized design Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.19, far below the global average of 1.6, the facility cuts electricity use by 16 million kilowatt-hours annually, lowering operational costs and carbon emissions. Water efficiency measures further cut usage by 44 million gallons per year, equivalent to nearly 80 Olympic-size swimming pools, allowing to conserve local resources while helping customers meet Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments without compromising performance.

As a result, NARRA1 became the first facility in Southeast Asia to secure two globally recognized certifications:

• ANSI/TIA-942-C Rated 3 Certification, recognizing world-class resilience, security, and operational quality; and
• EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) Certification from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), awarded to facilities achieving more than 20% efficiency in energy, water, and embodied carbon.

NARRA1 also earned LEED Gold certification, an internationally recognized standard by the U.S. Green Building Council, making it the Philippines’ first triple-green-certified data center with EDGE, LEED, and BERDE (Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence).

“Five years ago, we were building in the middle of a global pandemic amid uncertainty, supply-chain disruptions, and lockdowns,” said Vic Barrios, President of Digital Edge DC Philippines. “We needed partners who could deliver on time, uphold quality, and adapt with us in an environmentally complex market—one that embeds sustainability in their operations and that we could rely on end-to-end to build future-ready facilities.”

NARRA1 is the country’s only true carrier-neutral regional data center, hosting all major telecommunications providers and internet service providers.

NARRA1’s globally benchmarked architecture shows the nation’s capacity to offer dependable data center solutions that satisfy the demands of businesses and hyperscale operators. The Philippines is well-positioned to develop as a regional center for digital infrastructure thanks to its digital population, rising data demand, and advantageous location in Southeast Asia.

Schneider Electric positions the Philippines to spearhead the next wave of AI-driven growth in Southeast Asia by collaborating with companies, operators, and developers to construct sustainable and energy-efficient data centers.

JCB Platinum Credit Cardmembers can now take charge of their health with an exclusive PHP 3,000 discount on Executive Health Screening Packages at Fullerton Health Philippines.

From L-R: Darren Lim, Senior Vice President, Head of Radlink and Fullerton Health EHS for the Philippines; Carmie de Leon, Country General Manager of Radlink Philippines Corporation and EHS Lead for Fullerton Health Philippines; Wataru Tamura, Country Manager of JCB International Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “JCB Philippines”)
Manila Branch; Yasutaka Nomura, Business Development Head of JCB Philippines.

Fullerton Health Philippines, the country’s first dedicated Executive Health Screening (EHS) and advanced diagnostic imaging center known for its five-star, personalized medical services, has teamed up with JCB to provide exclusive health privileges to JCB Platinum Cardmembers. Through this partnership, eligible cardholders can enjoy a PHP 3,000 discount on Fullerton Health Philippines’ Diamond and Sapphire EHS packages, offering a premium preventive screening experience tailored for busy professionals and executives.

The collaboration highlights JCB’s dedication to providing valuable lifestyle and wellness perks to its cardmembers, while reinforcing Fullerton Health Philippines’ goal of delivering healthcare that is personalized, accessible, and efficient. This initiative empowers professionals to prioritize their health through comprehensive executive screenings that are streamlined, private, and powered by advanced technology.

“Our collaboration with Fullerton Health represents the ideal union of wellness and convenience for our Platinum Cardmembers. We are delighted to offer eligible Cardmembers an exclusive opportunity to access world-class EHS services at a preferential rate. We invite these Cardmembers to take advantage of this partnership and experience Fullerton Health’s personalized care.” said Wataru Tamura, Country Manager of JCB Philippines.

Fullerton Health delivers a distinctly different executive health screening experience. Appointments can be booked in as little as 15 minutes, and comprehensive screenings are completed within three hours, with services designed to maximize privacy, personalization, and operational efficiency. The facility is the only dedicated center in the country for executive health screening and advanced diagnostic imaging, consistently receiving five-star reviews for its clinical care and customer experience.

“This partnership is an exciting opportunity for JCB Platinum Cardmembers to prioritize their health without compromising their busy schedules. Our executive EHS packages are tailored to deliver efficiency, comfort, and peace of mind. We hope more professionals will embrace this chance to become the CEO of their own health,” said Carmie de Leon, Country General Manager of Radlink Philippines Corporation and EHS Lead for Fullerton Health Philippines.

Darren Lim, Senior Vice President, Head of Radlink and Fullerton Health EHS for the Philippines added: “JCB members in the Philippines can expect a health screening experience unlike any other in the country. We have thoughtfully designed our screenings to make our clients feel like they are pursuing self-care and not just clinical care, combing Filipino hospitality with Singapore-based technologies. We’re thrilled to welcome them and demonstrate how preventive healthcare can be seamless, empowering, and accessible.”

The promo is available from January 15 to July 15, 2026, giving JCB Platinum Cardmembers the chance to avail of Fullerton Health’s executive health screening packages at a preferential rate.

For more details about Fullerton Health Philippines and its services, visit:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fullertonhealthph,

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fullertonhealthph/

Website: https://www.fullertonhealth.com/ph/

BPI launches its new Debit Mastercard made from 100% recycled,
PVCfree plastic—promoting more sustainable everyday banking.

In an effort to promote more environmentally friendly banking options, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has introduced a new Debit Mastercard made entirely of recycled, PVC-free plastic.

Both new customers who open an account through a BPI branch and current customers whose cards are about to expire or need to be renewed can get the new Debit Mastercard for free. For a regular replacement price of Php 200, customers who want to switch to the new recycled, PVC-free card outside of their renewal schedule may do so.

With more than 8.2 million debit cardholders countrywide, BPI is one of the top debit card issuers in the nation. The bank’s efforts to provide Filipinos with more responsible and future-ready financial products have reached yet another significant milestone with the arrival of the new environmentally friendly BPI Debit Mastercard.

“Reimagining the BPI Debit Mastercard to become an eco-friendly card is a testament to BPI’s commitment to its values of sustainability and innovation. At BPI, we want to connect more with our eco-conscious clients while also encouraging others to practice sustainable habits. By using sustainable materials for our card, we hope to make sustainable behavior the default option for everyone,” said Jenny Lacerna, Head of Mass Retail, BPI.

Clients can request the new card through the BPI app or BPI online and selecting their preferred branch for pickup. A Php 200 fee applies to all card requests made through these digital channels. Those replacing an existing card only need to block their current one in the BPI app to start the replacement process. Cards are available for pickup at any BPI branch within two to six banking days, depending on location. Clients may also visit any branch for assistance.

Beyond sustainability, the card also features thoughtful design enhancements—including a curved notch at the bottom left corner that helps users identify and orient their card by touch, improving accessibility and making it easier to distinguish from other cards.

With the new card, BPI Debit Mastercard holders can continue to enjoy the trusted convenience and security they rely on—secure payments online, in-store, and abroad; contactless transactions; easy access to cash via ATMs worldwide; and 24/7 account control through the BPI app.

“The BPI Debit Mastercard is still the same card that our clients rely on—stylish, secure, and now more sustainable,” added Lacerna.

BPI continues to promote sustainability while providing Filipinos with useful, inclusive, and accessible financial products through innovations like the environmentally friendly Debit Mastercard.