Source:
https://scmp.com/presented/business/topics/vitro-clark-dr-site/article/3041784/epldt-inaugurates-biggest-disaster
Business

ePLDT inaugurates the biggest disaster recovery facility in the Philippines—VITRO Clark DR Site

Strategically located beside the VITRO Clark Data Centre, the DR site boasts of an expansive 6,909sqm floor area.

[Sponsored Article]

Industry-leading enabler of digital solutions ePLDT Inc., together with PLDT Clarktel, officially launches the first stand-alone disaster recovery (DR) facility in North Luzon with the VITRO Clark DR Site, to service Philippine enterprises. Strategically located beside the VITRO Clark Data Center, the site is the country’s largest DR facility to date—boasting of an expansive 6,909sqm floor area. 

With Clark composed of several business and transit hubs, such as the Clark Special Economic Zone, Clark Freeport Zone, and the Clark International Airport, it continues to rise as a premier business and tourist destination—attracting both local and foreign investors alike. Clark is also among cities cited by the government as a recovery site in the national contingency plan—making it an ideal location for the DR site.  

ePLDT, PLDT Clarktel and BCDA Executives cap off the inaugural launch of the site with a celebratory toast. (From left: ePLDT Head of Data Centre Business Operations Eugene Lucmayon, PLDT VP & Head of Disruptive Business Group Nico Alcoseba, ePLDT President & CEO and SVP & Head of PLDT and Smart Enterprise Business Groups Jovy Hernandez, Bases Conversion Development Authority Vice President, Atty. Joanna Capones, DICT Assistant Secretary Alan Silor, PLDT Clarktel President and CEO Boy Castaneda, PLDT Clarktel COO Lito Mercade
ePLDT, PLDT Clarktel and BCDA Executives cap off the inaugural launch of the site with a celebratory toast. (From left: ePLDT Head of Data Centre Business Operations Eugene Lucmayon, PLDT VP & Head of Disruptive Business Group Nico Alcoseba, ePLDT President & CEO and SVP & Head of PLDT and Smart Enterprise Business Groups Jovy Hernandez, Bases Conversion Development Authority Vice President, Atty. Joanna Capones, DICT Assistant Secretary Alan Silor, PLDT Clarktel President and CEO Boy Castaneda, PLDT Clarktel COO Lito Mercade
Through this world-class facility, the ePLDT Group promises to support the business continuity efforts of enterprises in the country—offering services such as data backup and alternative office spaces. Enterprises interested in fortifying their disaster recovery plans can choose from the facility’s dedicated or shared seats—with the former providing companies with an office space that mirrors their current headquarters, and the latter providing a more cost-efficient space, shared with other tenants. 

While the site can initially house 246 DR seats, it is set to expand to over 2,300 throughout its continued development, with the mission of becoming the top-of-mind back-up facility for enterprises. Likewise, it also boasts of the same features signature of ePLDT’s VITRO Data Centers, such as its being seismic zone 4-compliant, making it able to withstand earthquakes of up to intensity 8; it’s N+1 Genset Configuration—ensuring the operational continuity in the event of power failures, and it’s 24/7 security and customer support. 

“We at ePLDT, recognize that disaster recovery is a top priority for our customers, which is why we are fortifying our capabilities to ensure that we provide them with the means to safeguard their operations at all costs,” said ePLDT President & CEO Jovy Hernandez. 

“With the launch of our VITRO DR site in Clark, we make it easier for our customers to enable their business continuity and resiliency plans. This is in line with our mission of simplifying the complex for our customers,” he added.

ePLDT powers up the Philippines' biggest disaster recovery facility
ePLDT powers up the Philippines' biggest disaster recovery facility
ePLDT Chairman of the Board Al Panlilio shared that the launch of the site, works in fulfilment of the PLDT group’s mission of nation-building. 

“We have always believed that our business goes beyond ICT and digital services. We’re providing our customers with solutions that will improve their operations and in turn, allow them to better serve their customers and our society as a whole,” he said. 

“This initiative is but a testament to that commitment—allowing us to provide true end-to-end support for our customers, no matter the circumstance,” Panlilio reiterated. 

Throughout the years, the PLDT group has stayed at the forefront of laying the infrastructure necessary for Clark to adopt newer technologies and accommodate even more businesses. Among other key investments in the area include the VITRO Data Center facility— the first of its kind throughout the Central Luzon area; and the deployment of country’s first 5G network.