DICT Secretary Henry Aguda visits San Francisco, engages Technology Leaders and Filipino Community
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry R. Aguda visited San Francisco, California, on 11–12 June 2026 to advance the Philippines’ digital transformation agenda and explore opportunities for deeper collaboration with leading technology companies in the United States.
During his visit, Secretary Aguda met with officials of Google at the company’s headquarters in Mountain View, California. Discussions focused on strengthening Google’s engagement with the Philippines in areas such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital infrastructure.
Secretary Aguda highlighted the Philippines’ growing digital economy, ongoing efforts to expand connectivity nationwide, and the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for technology investments. He also shared the Philippines’ vision of leveraging AI and emerging technologies to drive inclusive growth and improve public services.
Google officials reaffirmed the company’s longstanding partnership with the Philippines and discussed opportunities for further collaboration in support of the country’s digital development goals.
Following the meeting, Secretary Aguda toured the Googleplex and Google’s Bay View campus, where he was briefed on the company’s innovations in workplace design, sustainability, and next-generation technologies.
Secretary Aguda also met with officials of Astranis, a San Francisco-based satellite operator and manufacturer. The meeting highlighted the important role of innovative connectivity solutions in supporting digital inclusion, education, healthcare, and economic development across the archipelago.
As part of his visit, Secretary Aguda attended the reception commemorating the 128th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence held at Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center in San Francisco. He joined Consul General Arnel Talisayon, California State Senators Christopher Cabaldon and Scott Weiner, members of the consular corps, community leaders, and members of the Filipino-American community in celebrating this important milestone in Philippine history.
On the sidelines of the reception, Secretary Aguda, together with Consul General Talisayon, held separate meetings with California State Senators Cabaldon and Wiener to exchange views on innovation, technology, and opportunities for cooperation between the Philippines and California. Secretary Aguda’s visit underscores the Philippine Government’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with global technology leaders, promoting innovation, expanding digital connectivity, and positioning the Philippines as a key partner in the rapidly evolving digital economy. END
DICT Secretary Henry Aguda (6th from left) joined the ceremonial cake-cutting 128th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, held at Kalayaan Hall, Philippine Center.
(San Francisco PCG photo)