Digital transformation for 2025 and beyond

The Philippines is entering an exciting phase of digital transformation, poised to unlock opportunities that could reshape its economic and social future.

- GILBERT TRINCHERA

As the digital era continues to evolve, embracing innovation and fostering adaptation have become national imperatives. By 2025 and beyond, digital transformation will serve as a cornerstone of progress, enabling both economic growth and improved quality of life.

In fact, the 2024 KPMG Global Tech Report reveals that, on average, 87% of organizations have successfully leveraged technology to boost their profits within the past 24 months. To navigate this transformation effectively, it is essential to explore the driving forces, the opportunities they present, and the challenges ahead.

Digital transformation's current state in the Philippines

The Philippines has made substantial progress in its digital transformation journey, propelled by government initiatives such as the e-Government Master Plan and private sector investments in technology. According to a 2024 report by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), over 70 percent of government services are now available online. The private sector has similarly embraced digital technologies across industries like banking, retail and telecommunications, signaling robust adoption and growth.

Key enablers of this progress include:

1. Enhanced connectivity: The National Broadband Plan and the deployment of 5G networks have significantly improved internet access and speed, particularly in urban areas.

2. Digital payments adoption: The emergence of fintech platforms has accelerated the country's transition towards a cashless economy.

3. Government reforms: Initiatives such as the Ease of Doing Business Act, the National ICT Ecosystem Framework, the National Cybersecurity Plan 2023-2028 and the e-Government Master Plan have created a comprehensive blueprint for public sector digitalization, promoting connectivity, cybersecurity, and efficient, citizen-centric services.