The digital economy amounted to P2.08 trillion in 2022, contributing 9.4 percent to the country’s gross domestic product, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said in a statement yesterday.
This amount represents an increase of 11 percent from the P1.87 trillion recorded in 2021.
The digital economy is composed of digital transactions covering digital-enabling infrastructure, e-commerce and digital media/content.
Of the total amount of digital transactions in 2022, digital-enabling infrastructure made up the largest share amounting to P1.6 trillion or 77.2 percent. Last year’s total was higher by 7.5 percent compared with the P1.49 trillion recorded in 2021.
The top two contributors under digital-enabling infrastructure were telecommunication services and professional and business services with 30.7 percent and 27 percent shares, respectively.
Electronic commerce, which accounted for 20 percent of the total digital economy in 2022, grew by 26.5 percent from its previous year’s record of P328.84 billion.
Digital media/content contributed P57.41 billion or 2.8 percent to the total digital economy.
It posted a growth of 11.8 percent in 2022.
The PSA estimated the number of employed persons in the digital economy at 6.05 million in 2022, 8.2 percent higher than the 5.59 million persons employed in the digital economy in 2021.
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has emphasized the importance of utilizing new technologies to enhance the skills of the Filipino workforce which can drive long-term economic growth and social progress in the country.
Rosemarie Edillon, NEDA undersecretary, said the nationwide promotion of extended reality (XR) as a new medium for skills development and learning is underway.
“Extended reality technologies have the potential to transform the way we develop the skills of our workforce. XR technologies allow individuals to learn complex skills in a simulated environment, providing a safe space to develop and practice new abilities,” Edillon said during the Manila Skill Experts’ Meeting last April 18.
Edillon cited video games as an example of extended reality in which players are offered a more holistic experience. The audience is an active participant in an immersive experience that takes place in a world different from our own.
When utilized effectively, digital transformation can yield high-value outcomes and innovations that enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of various sectors, Edillon said.
“The benefits of XR in skills training require an understanding of when and how to utilize these technologies,” she emphasized.
This approach must be complemented with other learning strategies, such as group sessions, real-life models and performance-based assessments, among others, Edillon added.
“Utilizing XR technologies in technical and vocational training can revolutionize the way we train. Collaboration among government agencies, training institutions, technology providers, content creators and other stakeholders will be crucial in redesigning our training programs,” she said.
