THE DEPARTMENT of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) on Wednesday, September 23, called for stronger Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) cooperation to help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) accelerate digital transformation and build resilience against future disruptions.
“Digitalization and AI are no longer optional. They have become essential tools for helping SMEs become more resilient, competitive, and productive in an increasingly dynamic economy,” DEPDev Undersecretary and OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) Southeast Asia Regional Programme (SEARP) Co-Chair Joseph Capuno said at the 2026 OECD Southeast Asia SME Regional Forum.
Capuno said regional cooperation will be key to ensuring that enterprises across ASEAN can benefit from the digital transition.
“ASEAN can build on our collective strengths to expand opportunities for our SMEs, and strengthen their resilience to future disruptions. Together, we can ensure that the opportunities created by digitalization and AI are accessible, inclusive, and beneficial to all,” he said.
DEPDev said that while MSMEs currently account for almost 99 percent of businesses in ASEAN and provide 85 percent of employment, many still struggle to access finance, markets, skills, connectivity, and digital technologies.
For the Philippines, strengthening MSME digital capabilities is part of broader efforts to build a more productive and technology-driven economy.
In 2025, the country’s digital economy reached an estimated P2.74 trillion, equivalent to 9.8 percent of the country’s gross domestic product.
DEPDev said the government continues to expand affordable internet access, promote emerging technologies like AI, and leverage digital innovation to drive growth and productivity. (PNA)
