It’s been 15 years ago and more since the Philippines was introduced to digital transformation. Online teaching and businesses were booming that computing devices were more in demand than ever. We can say that the country has been trying to keep up with the global trend despite of all the technological challenges that it is facing. Distance education for example, has been available back then but not many Filipinos took the opportunity to try it. So yes, Philippines was already in the digital shifting since along long time ago.
Indeed, technology has made a huge impact in the economy and society. More and more digital advancement were now used everywhere. May it be in education- online teaching and classes were now active, different businesses were now into mobile apps, websites, and even virtual offices were built. There’s also online / cashless payment options, dating apps and more that made the lives of the people a lot more convenient.
Regardless, now is the time where digital adaptation is needed more than ever. Thanks to these existing digital reformation, a lot of people have an access into different services even if they were just staying at home.
The whole world is facing digital shifting right now. We can appreciate the advantages that we have now in the country but still, it is clearly seen that Philippines has been far left behind in terms of health, education and technological services. How much more for those who were in the remote areas? Can they even feel that we are already under digital transformation? The local offices cannot even offer a more quality and convenient services to its people and even a high speed internet, except for those in the higher class who can afford all quality-type of services.
If only this so-called digital shift gave more focus on the country’s education and health services, shutting down of schools will not be much of a problem for we can have an alternative. Remote areas can have much more access with health services and other medications.
How can the Philippines be really ready in this “new era”? Is it enough that the Filipinos “at least” know how to use mobile phones for games and social media? Laptops and computers were used for typing and editing stuff, webinars and video conferences? Is that it? Of course, it’s already one step ahead but how about those without any access of those?
Though there is still hope, those “if only’s” can still be put into action. We can still put digital technologies to its actual use and be able to distribute a more efficient basic needs services.
Digital world needs skills, innovation, understanding and awareness. If we really want to adapt, maybe focusing first on the rationale why did the digital world even existed and how to utilize its offers would take the Philippines to the next level together with its people.
I believe that Filipinos can get through this for one of the amazing traits of our people is to be able to adapt and rise in any kind of situation. But I hope that this COVID-19 won’t let the Filipinos forget the damages it can bring for not being prepared. Hopefully, the government with the help of other institutions could build a better post-pandemic society who’s REALLY READY TO ADAPT IN THE DIGITAL WORLD.
