Bridging the digital skills divide
Our understanding of the digital world defines how we access it. The less we understand how it works and what’s possible within it, the fewer the chances there are to reap its benefits in full. Fast internet connections and low-cost smartphones mean nothing if we cannot partake of the economic possibilities the online world offers. That’s a dimension of the “digital divide” that isn’t discussed as much—the digital skills gap.
Fortunately, some people have already shown us the way. Gian Javelona is a computer engineer from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines; he created an app that helped students register, pay tuition, and keep track of classes. He co-founded Orangeapps and was in the 2017 Forbes 30 under 30 list for Asia.
Martin Xavier Penaflor is the founder of the Tangere, a market research company. Their major advantage is that they use app-based surveys for business intelligence and analytics services that both big and small businesses can afford.
Sen. Joel Villanueva, chairperson for the Senate Committee on Labor, has also talked about others who have recognized opportunities in the digital world. Tor Sagud was a pioneer trainee in 2D Digital Animation at the Cordillera School of Digital Arts. He is now a concept artist, illustrator, and animator for local and international studios. He has also published “—An Illustrated Guide,” and has started his own studio. He is also a perfect example of the “Tatak Pinoy” ideal, as he is now focusing on creating original Filipino artwork and is involved in trying to revive the Philippine comic book industry.
Gian, Martin, and Tor addressed the digital opportunities they saw. But not everyone is as well versed in technology as they are. Indeed, if you’re not tech-savvy, you will be left behind.
We are not the only country to have serious concerns about going digital. The 2019 Essential Digital Skills Framework report of the UK’S Department of Education identified that up to 11.3 million people—21 percent of the adults in their country—did not have full basic digital skills, with up 4.3 million not knowing how to use a smartphone or access an e-mail account. Coursera’s 2019 Global Skills Index echoed this issue, estimating that up to two-thirds of the global population is behind in terms of critical tech skills—and in developing economies, it can be as high as 90 percent.
Even with these gloomy global figures, however, we should recognize our growing online work force: our freelancers. According to Paypal’s 2018 Global Freelancer Insight Report, our country has one of the highest number of freelancers per capita, with roughly 2 million Filipinos engaged in freelance work. Even more encouraging is the fact that Payoneer’s 2020 Gig Economy Index stated that the Philippines was the fastest-growing freelancing country in the world. We are ahead of India, Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, and Mexico in this regard.
These developments are the reasons why Senator Villanueva, myself, and several of our colleagues recently co-authored and co-sponsored the Philippine Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act (SB 1834), which took into consideration another bill I authored—the National Digital Careers Act (SB 1469).
This Act will ensure that all Filipino workers will have access to trainings on digital skills and competencies that are of a global standard. This, in turn, will encourage innovations and entrepreneurship.
Protection and support for the digital work force will be made available. Steps will also be taken to ensure that PWDS, senior citizens, indigenous peoples, and those located in isolated or disadvantaged areas are able to access the opportunities in the digital world.
Furthermore, an Inter-agency Council for Development and Competitiveness of the Digital Workforce will be established, involving various government agencies and chaired by the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda). This council will be the primary government entity for planning, coordinating, and implementing programs that will enhance the country’s digital work force.
Local government units (LGUS) will take charge of creating local policies that will support and promote the development of digital technology, careers, and innovations in their respective communities. Public-private partnerships will also be developed for training, skills development, and certification programs. Finally, digital libraries, learning hubs, and co-working or shared service facilities will also be set up as part of the support ecosystem of the digital work force.
The Next Normal is already here. Developing and implementing a national strategy to make our digital work force globally competitive should now be an integral part of our country’s economic future.
Sen. Sonny Angara has been in public service for 16 years—nine years as Representative of the Lone District of Aurora, and seven as Senator. He has authored and sponsored more than 200 laws. He is currently serving his second term in the Senate.
E-mail: sensonnyangara@yahoo.com| Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @sonnyangara