The rapid adoption of digital technologies can help the Philippines overcome the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, recover from the crisis and achieve its vision of becoming a middle-class society free of poverty, according to a report released Monday by the World Bank and the National Economic and Development Authority.
The report, titled “A Better Normal Under Covid-19: Digitalizing the Philippine Economy Now,” said the use of digital technologies such as digital payments, e-commerce, telemedicine and online education was rising in the Philippines and helped individuals, businesses and the government cope with social distancing measures, ensure business continuity and deliver public services during the pandemic.
“This pandemic has caused substantial disruptions in the domestic economy as community restrictions have limited movement of people and reduced business operations nationwide,” NEDA Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon said.
“As we are now living with the new normal, the use of digital technology and digital transformation have become important for Filipinos in coping with the present crisis, moving towards economic recovery and getting us back on track towards our long-term aspirations,” she said.