ILOILO – Iloilo’s perceived faster economic growth has drawn the Norwegian proponent of a hyperscale artificial intelligence (AI) data center to explore possible sites in the province, with Pavia now emerging as another potential location after Oton and Santa Barbara.
Engr. GC June Garanchon, Technical Services Department manager of Iloilo Electric Cooperative 1 (ILECO 1) said Norwegian national Daniel Stefan Robertsen disclosed during a meeting with the cooperative that their proposed AI data center was initially intended for the Negros area.
The investors, however, reportedly saw stronger growth prospects in Panay Island, particularly Iloilo, prompting them to search for a suitable location in the province.
Robertsen visited ILECO 1 in January 2026 to inquire about how he could secure certification for the electricity supply required by the proposed data center in Oton.
“Ang first nga proposal was in Barangay Daga, Santa Barbara, Iloilo during kang conversation namon sini,” Garanchon said over DYOK Aksyon Radyo Iloilo.
Garanchon said it was possible that landowners in Santa Barbara did not agree to the project, prompting the proposed facility to shift to Oton.
Now, Pavia has emerged as another municipality that was considered, too, for the hyperscale AI facility.
Vice Mayor Jose Neil Olivares of Oton said he learned that Robertsen, who introduced himself as managing director of Norway Green Energy, had mentioned the possibility of proposing the project to the Pavia local government.
“Nabatian kosa mga department heads,” Olivares told Panay News when asked whether Robertsen was also considering Pavia for the AI data center.
Olivares clarified, however, that Robertsen had not personally discussed with him any plan to establish the facility in Pavia.
The reported interest in Pavia comes as the proposed AI data center faces scrutiny following opposition to the project in Oton.
Former Ilonggo Kabataan party-list representative Raoul Manuel urged Pavianhons to exercise the same vigilance shown by Oton residents and questioned Robertsen’s identity and business background.
“Today, Ogtonganons and Ilonggos courageously pushed back against the attempt of a Norwegian national to lure Barangay Abilay Sur, Oton (Iloilo) into hosting an AI data center. But a question lingers in the minds of many: Aside from being disrespectful, who really is this guy? What company is he working for?” Manuel said.
Robertsen had introduced himself during a public consultation as an official representative of “Norway Green Energy.”
Manuel, however, claimed that his research showed that “such a company has no available public record.”
“What can be confirmed is that Robertsen was appointed president of US-based ‘Digital Green Energy’ in January 2018. This wholly-owned subsidiary of Riot Blockchain is focused on setting up the data centers for the parent company’s cryptocurrency operations,” Manuel added.
Manuel further said that “while Robertsen may not be transparent enough about his designation and background, he shouldn’t be dealt with in isolation. He may have exhibited tendencies of a scammer, but he merely represents what’s wrong with imperialist projects like Pax Silica, a US-led scam.”
“As long as the Philippine president (plus the provincial governor, to our dismay) is embracing Pax Silica, the battle isn’t over. Sketchy persons will keep on knocking at the doors of local governments to peddle flashy projects. So we hold on to the successful pushback of the people of Oton, fortify our unities, and stay vigilant,” Manuel added./PN
