Joel Dabao l December 3, 2024 l Manila Bulletin
As we prepare for 2025, one question looms large: Are we ready to ride the next wave of technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI)? While AI continues to evolve and promises transformational change, its true potential hinges on two critical factors: digital literacy and functional literacy. For the Philippines, where connectivity is expanding but stark disparities persist, these challenges represent both an opportunity and an urgent call to action.
Granted, the “killer business application” of AI has yet to be invented. However, the initial wave of generative AI (GenAI) solutions is already boosting productivity across various industries. The eventual game-changing AI application will undoubtedly depend on two things that, surprisingly, remain significant challenges even in 2024: digital literacy and functional literacy.
Digital literacy is crucial for unlocking the benefits of technology, yet it remains unevenly distributed. While technology adoption rates are at all-time highs, the further one ventures from city centers, the lower the levels of digital literacy. In rural areas, where internet access is often sparse, smartphones are primarily used as media players. People download content in areas with connectivity and consume it offline, limiting their appreciation of technology to tapping icons on user-friendly interfaces.
While this current situation demonstrates the potential for technology to enrich rural communities, the reality falls short of the possibilities. A wealth of educational content is readily available online, but interventions are needed to help communities understand that the internet can offer much more than social media or entertainment. Furthermore, as cyber threats grow increasingly sophisticated, efforts must also focus on equipping users with the skills to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
Even more alarming is the challenge of functional literacy. Many Filipino high school students are reading and writing at a fourth-grade level. This puts them at a tremendous disadvantage in pursuing higher education or entering the workforce, where literacy is a fundamental skill. As generative AI continues to influence nearly all industries, the ability to type coherent prompts and interpret AI-generated outputs will be essential. While voice-activated applications are being developed, the core interaction with these technologies still relies heavily on reading and writing proficiency.
Without foundational literacy skills, a significant portion of the population risks being excluded from the opportunities that AI and digitalization can offer. What is touted as the next wave of technological development could inadvertently widen the gap between the digitally empowered and the digitally excluded.
I have always believed that digitalization can be a great equalizer, enabling a developing nation to close the gap with its more developed counterparts. But this vision can only become reality if access to connectivity is widespread, devices are affordable, and the population is equipped to make the most of these tools.
While various stakeholders—from government to private organizations and NGOs — are making strides to address these gaps, the pace of technological advancement demands more concerted efforts. Promoting both functional and digital literacy must become a national priority, ensuring that every Filipino has the skills to navigate, adapt to, and thrive in the age of AI.
By working together, we can ensure that no one is left behind as we ride the next wave of technology. Let us move forward with a collective resolve to equip our population with the tools and skills they need to shape a brighter, more inclusive future.
*** Mr. Joel Dabao is the President of Kabankalan Community Antenna Television (K-CAT Inc.) and the subcom Vice Chair of the FINEX Night of the FINEX Week Committee. The views and opinions expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of FINEX. Photo from Pinterest.