THE Philippines can be a regional leader in data sovereignty, but it must seize the opportunity swiftly and implement a decisive action to build its capabilities on data sovereignty.
‘Policy discussions around sovereignty are gaining momentum, and the recognition that digital control has become a strategic imperative reflects the right instincts,’ said Catherine Lian, general manager and technology leader of IBM Asean in an e-mail interview with BusinessMirror.
According to Lian, true digital sovereignty encompasses four interconnected pillars:
Data sovereignty: Control where data is stored and who can access it.
AI sovereignty: Operate AI under your organization’s authority and jurisdiction.
Operational sovereignty: Maintain control over strategic decisions while minimizing external influence while being accountable under regional jurisdictions who deliver transparency on data access, residency, and regulatory compliance.
Technology sovereignty: Retain choice and flexibility across all underlying infrastructure and technology.
Today, Lian said digital sovereignty is no longer just about where data resides. ‘It’s about whether we can prove who has access-do you have the freedom to move workloads, switch providers, even as technologies, regulations and risks evolve,’ she said.
The Philippines would benefit from a comprehensive approach that combines local infrastructure investment with hybrid-by-design cloud architectures, built-in AI governance frameworks, and talent development. IBM is committed to working with Philippine organizations and government institutions to ensure sovereignty becomes an operational reality that would drive sustainable digital independence and AI-driven growth.
In the era of artificial intelligence (AI), Lian said data sovereignty has become one of the most strategic decisions any nation can undertake. While digital infrastructure has become as critical to national security and economic growth as defense and finance, Lian said the Philippines prioritizes digital sovereignty quickly and robustly. ‘When critical systems run on platforms controlled elsewhere, organizations don’t truly have sovereignty, they have a service contract,’ she said.
At IBM, digital sovereignty is defined as the ability for organizations to demonstrate authority over and leverage technology on their own terms-maintaining control, transparency, and choice-while continuing to innovate at speed. ‘For the Philippines, this isn’t just about compliance. It’s about ensuring that technology and AI capabilities, talent, and economic opportunities benefit the country through trusted, locally governed systems that serve citizens and strengthen competitiveness,’ Lian said.
Gartner expects 65 percent of governments worldwide to introduce technological sovereignty requirements by 2028. Countries that act decisively now will have a first-mover advantage in attracting investment, protecting critical infrastructure, and innovating with AI in their own terms.
She said IBM believes that sovereignty must be intentional and engineered into technology from the start. Lian noted open ecosystems, hybrid by design deployment models (cloud, on prem, edge, fully air gapped), and built in AI governance give organizations the control and flexibility they need to innovate without dependence. Lian said the control and accountability model suits the Philippines because it addresses the core concern driving the country’s sovereignty push-not just where data resides but who controls it. Pure localization builds infrastructure ownership without necessarily delivering operational sovereignty. ‘On the other hand, full reliance on global platforms offers innovation and resilience but without jurisdictional control,’ she said.
She said IBM’s strategy is centered on collaborating with governments and enterprises in Asean to achieve meaningful digital sovereignty, ensuring they can innovate with AI on their own terms, while maintaining demonstrable authority over their systems, data, and operations. ‘This entails helping countries like the Philippines achieve their digital infrastructure ambitions with technology platforms, governance frameworks, and knowledge transfer that maximize long-term strategic value,’ Lian explained.