House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez lauded President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his emphatic call to strengthen digital connectivity and digitalization as key drivers of economic growth in the ASEAN region.
On the plenary session of the 44th ASEAN Summit in Laos, President Marcos underscored the transformative potential of digitalization, highlighting it as a “significant catalyst for connectivity in ASEAN,” and a critical tool for advancing innovation, growth and opportunities.
Speaker Romualdez emphasized the President’s participation in the ASEAN Summit, and his advocacy for digital transformation, directly benefits ordinary Filipinos by paving the way for more jobs and business opportunities.
“This is not just about diplomacy and high-level discussions. The President’s push for stronger digital connectivity in ASEAN translates to real, tangible benefits for the Filipino people,” said Speaker Romualdez.
“By fostering innovation and increasing access to digital markets, we are unlocking opportunities for local businesses, especially MSMEs, and creating new jobs for our workforce.”
He further noted that boosting digital connectivity in the region would open more doors for Philippine businesses and entrepreneurs, with the potential to create a myriad of jobs for Filipinos.
“The President’s vision of a digitally connected ASEAN where innovation thrives and opportunities abound is fully aligned with our own national efforts,” said Speaker Romualdez, leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives.
“In the Philippines, we have already taken significant steps to accelerate digitalization through key initiatives such as the E-Government Act, the Public Service Act amendments, and various infrastructure programs aimed at expanding broadband access to remote areas,” he added.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the country’s digital economy in 2023 amounted to about USD35.4 billion, contributing 8.4 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product. This resulted in a 7.7 percent growth from the USD33.6 billion Gross Value Added of the digital economy in 2022.
In his intervention at the plenary session of the 44th ASEAN Summit, President Marcos emphasized the need to create a “safe and trusted digital environment” to propel the region into becoming the fourth-largest economy in the world.
This, he noted, will be greatly aided by the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which aims to elevate the ASEAN digital economy to USD2 trillion by 2030.
The President outlined the importance of investing in robust cybersecurity, equipping people with digital skills, and establishing vital digital infrastructure to secure ASEAN’s economic trajectory.
Speaker Romualdez said the House of Representatives stands in full support of these initiatives, recognizing their importance in empowering the 70 million micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across ASEAN, which comprise 99% of all businesses in the region.
“MSMEs are the backbone of our economies, and ensuring they have access to digital platforms, financing, and training will be essential to their success,” Romualdez said, echoing the President’s sentiments on closing financing gaps and supporting digital transformation for MSMEs.
“We in the House of Representatives will continue to work hand-in-hand with the Executive branch to allocate resources and pass measures that will ensure the Philippines plays a key role in making ASEAN a global economic powerhouse.”
Speaker Romualdez said digitalization not only strengthens economic ties among ASEAN member states but also fosters inclusivity by bridging the digital divide, particularly in underserved communities.
“We are committed to seeing the fruits of these efforts translate into a more vibrant, resilient, and inclusive economy for all Filipinos and our neighbors in the ASEAN region,” Romualdez concluded.
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