New york: The Philippines has called for stronger international cooperation as it advocates for data-driven governance and local programs aimed at ensuring that technology and research underpin equitable and sustainable development. This was emphasized during the 59th session of the United Nations Commission on Population and Development at the United Nations Headquarters, held from April 13 to 17.
According to Philippines News Agency, Commission on Population and Development (CPD) Undersecretary Lisa Grace Bersales highlighted that developing countries require more support to address structural gaps that limit access to technology. She urged the international community to aid developing nations in addressing the digital divide, enhancing institutional capacities, and ensuring equitable access to new technologies.
Bersales emphasized the need for enhanced international collaboration to support developing countries in closing digital divides, building institutional capacity, and ensuring equitable access to technological innovations. During the session themed 'Population, technology and research in the context of sustainable development,' she discussed leveraging innovation while upholding human rights and promoting inclusivity.
The CPD stressed its commitment to data-driven governance through the digital transformation of statistical and civil registration systems. This includes the use of digital census and survey technologies, geospatial integration, and interoperability across government data platforms. It also recognized the country's enactment of the E-Governance Act of 2025, which institutionalizes digitalization in public service delivery and strengthens evidence-based policymaking.
Bersales mentioned that integrating the Community-Based Monitoring System in the 2024 Census of Population is expected to expedite the generation of disaggregated data for local planning. On health matters, particularly sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), the Philippines reported expanding digital tools such as telemedicine, mobile health applications, and data-driven decision-making systems to improve access to services, especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).
CPD highlighted the necessity for investments in healthcare systems, workforce development, and digital literacy to complement emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). The Philippines has also expressed concern over rising adolescent pregnancy cases among girls aged 10 to 14.
Recognizing the challenge of unequal access to technology, the government is investing in digital infrastructure, rural connectivity, and digital skills training, particularly for women, youth, and marginalized sectors. In 2024, over 80 percent of Filipinos owned a mobile phone, while half of all households had internet access at home. Additionally, three out of 10 Filipinos have e-commerce accounts, a significant increase from 3 percent in 2019.
The CPD stated that these initiatives are in line with the National Cybersecurity Plan 2023-2028 of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), which seeks to enhance trust in digital systems by improving regulation, privacy protection, and cybersecurity. The agency emphasized that technology must remain people-centered, supported by regulatory frameworks that ensure ethical use and safeguard personal data, citing the proposed National AI Strategy of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to guide artificial intelligence development and governance.
The Philippines also noted employment gains from digitalization, with the digital platform economy generating 11.3 million jobs in 2024, primarily driven by e-commerce. The CPD mentioned the country's 10-year Trabaho Para sa Bayan Plan 2025-2034, which aims to future-proof the workforce through digital skills development, green jobs, and innovation-led industries.
The Philippines is promoting lifelong learning, digital skills development, and workforce reskilling to adapt to the evolving nature of work in the digital age. Despite progress, challenges such as the digital divide, limited research capacity, and unequal access to online platforms continue to drive inequality.
"Technology is not an end in itself-it is a means to empower people, expand choices, and achieve sustainable and equitable development," Bersales stated. The Philippines reiterated its commitment to advancing a rights-based, inclusive, and evidence-driven population and development agenda, where research and technology serve humanity, uphold human dignity, and ensure that no one is left behind.
