WE have all been understandably overwhelmed by pandemic-related news over the past couple of weeks, but there are actually a number of positive developments underway in the country that will, when we finally do reach the post-pandemic future, greatly improve economic opportunity and day-to-day convenience for Filipinos. On a personal note, finding time away from the constant mental abrasion of our shared calamity to learn about these innovations is no small relief, and hopefully people can draw some encouragement from my sharing them.

Although it has demonstrated that it is all thumbs when it comes to public health management, one area in which the Duterte administration has made some substantial accomplishments is in digitalization, contributing to bringing the country into the 21st century through efforts to expand online services in government, expand the digital communications infrastructure, and especially in expanding financial services. The latter is an effort aggressively started under former BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. and greatly accelerated under current Governor Benjamin Diokno, which has enabled the explosive growth of digital payment systems, online banking, and online commerce made necessary by the ongoing pandemic.

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