The ASEAN Digital Generation Report 2021 of Geneva-based World Economic Forum has found micro, medium and small enterprises in the Philippines as more inclined to shift their activities to digital platforms compared with their counterparts in Southeast Asia.
Either MSMEs in the Philippines have recognized the crucial role of digitalization for economic recovery from the pandemic or they have simply found ways and means to adapt from one of the world’s longest and most stringent quarantine and mobility restrictions.
Sixty three percent of the respondents in the Philippines viewed digitalization as “very important,” the highest among the ASEAN-6 consisting of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
The survey also revealed that self-discipline is the most important skill in the post-pandemic world for Filipinos. This is followed by technology use, and resilience and adaptability.
The WEF report, which surveyed almost 90,000 individuals in ASEAN-6, showed that the pandemic continues to cause severe impact, both economically and mentally, particularly to MSMEs and women.
Some 60 percent saw a decline in income and savings, with over 40 percent reporting a significant deterioration. In addition, 68 percent of MSME owners reported a drop in income. The dining and tourism sector were the most severely affected.
The report noted that majority in ASEAN have adapted to the challenges of the pandemic through significant digital adoption. In the region, over 60 percent have digitized at least 50 percent of their tasks.
The WEF did emphasize that the benefits of digitalization are unevenly spread across the region with those who are less digitized finding further digital adoption less appealing. Expensive or poor internet quality and access to digital devices remain the top barriers.
If the Philippines is to take advantage of this willingness to go digital, the government and the private sector will have to work closely to lower any barriers to digital adoption so it can play a more significant role in our post pandemic recovery in a more inclusive and sustainable manner.*