LG Electronics Philippines is eyeing opportunities in the country’s data center cooling market as growing demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud services drives the need for more advanced cooling systems.
The company expects demand for commercial and industrial cooling solutions, including those used in data centers, to increase over the next one to two years as the Philippines expands its digital infrastructure.
LG Electronics Philippines sales manager Vanlee Budod said that data centers have become a priority for the company’s global business.
“Our main target, actually, LG Global’s main target right now are data centers,” Budod told reporters.
Budod cited growing demand for cloud storage from banks, e-commerce platforms and other digital services as among the factors driving the expansion of data center infrastructure.
The Philippines seeks to expand its data center capacity to 1.5 gigawatts (GW) by 2028, according to an earlier target announced by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
Market research firm Mordor Intelligence also projects the Philippine data center market to grow from $850 million in 2026 to $2.37 billion by 2031, representing an annual growth rate of 22.88 percent.
LG is also monitoring developments surrounding the Philippines’ participation in the controversial US-led Pax Silica initiative which focuses on cooperation in AI, semiconductors and critical technology supply chains.
However, when asked about government statements that the initiative would not involve establishing data centers in the Philippines, Budod said LG was merely preparing for possible opportunities.
“That’s their comment, but for us, we’re just preparing,” the sales manager said.
Ryan Cañete, the commercial airconditioning sales team lead for LG Electronics Philippines, said residential developments currently account for much of the demand for cooling systems, but commercial projects, including data centers, could become a bigger market beginning next year.
Expansion
As part of its expansion into commercial and industrial solutions, LG opened its new HVAC Academy and Business Innovation Center at Silver City in Pasig on Friday, Oct. 9.
The facility provides technical training for engineers, contractors, consultants and customers involved in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
Training covers equipment installation, troubleshooting and maintenance, with practical demonstrations available for participants requiring more detailed instruction.
Budod said the academy aims to conduct at least four training sessions weekly, with around 10 to 20 participants per session.
The sessions, which are offered free of charge, typically last three to four hours, while more detailed training involving practical demonstrations may take an entire day.
Participants may receive internal LG certification after completing the required assessment.
LG is also considering a partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), although no formal agreement or timetable has been announced. Budod described the partnership as a long-term plan.
The Pasig facility follows the opening of an academy in Cebu in 2025, according to Cañete.
Aside from HVAC training, the new Business Innovation Center showcases LG’s commercial technologies, including information displays, IT solutions and commercial laundry equipment.
