NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Google Applauds Philippine Economic Growth
Photo credit: PCO
In a notable recognition of the Philippine economy's robust performance under the leadership of President Ferdinan. Marcos Jr., Google Philippines expressed admiration for the country's "amazing growth" during a session at the World Economic Forum held on Tuesday.

Jackie Wang, Country Manager of Google Philippines, commended the impressive strides made by the Philippines, citing Google's own digital economy report which echoes the growth potential highlighted by President Marcos. According to Wang, since 2023, the Philippine digital economy has witnessed substantial growth, reaching a staggering $23 billion in merchandising value with a compound growth rate of 16 percent.

During the session's Q&A segment, Wang directed a query to President Marcos, inquiring about measures to propel the digitization journey and foster a "digital Philippines." In response, President Marcos invited private sector collaboration to enhance internet connectivity and fortify critical infrastructures against cyber threats.

Acknowledging the challenges posed by the Philippines' geographical disposition as an island nation, President Marcos emphasized the government's efforts to address connectivity concerns. He revealed insights from a recent survey indicating a significant portion of Filipino citizens' activities, particularly in payments and clearances, occurring online, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced internet infrastructure and government digitalization.

Highlighting the government's initiatives to bridge the digital divide, President Marcos underscored collaborations with various entities to establish fiber optic networks and data centers. He expressed optimism regarding the development of a dedicated cloud infrastructure tailored for the Philippines, aimed at bolstering cybersecurity measures.

President Marcos also addressed the escalating threat of cybercrime, labeling it as the "darker side of technology" and emphasizing the imperative for robust cybersecurity protocols. Citing instances of scams and hacking incidents, he stressed the importance of private sector involvement in combating cyber threats effectively.

As the Philippines navigates its digital transformation journey, President Marcos emphasized the vital role of public-private partnerships in ensuring a secure and connected future for the nation.
Mar 20, 2024
MORE NATIONAL →

Share this article

MORE NATIONAL →
Share by: