Globe Telecom Inc. expects more digitally-powered cities moving forward amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. 

“I think the cities of the future will be fully powered by digital.  Filipinos are becoming more open to trying new things.  Opportunities in digital are happening and it’s something that we are also exploring,” Ernest Cu, president and chief executive of Globe said. 

Cu said he believes it will be easier now to introduce new technological innovations to Filipinos who openly embrace digitalization due to the pandemic. 

He expects more companies to get into on-demand services such as taxi/car hailing services, online grocery shopping, door-to-door delivery, and even entertainment. 

“We will keep introducing new digital concepts to enhance people’s lives.  I think the cycle of adoption and  appreciation will be much shorter now given the pandemic,” Cu said. 

According to the We Are Social April report, internet users in the Philippines and other countries have increased their online activities.  

Fifty-seven percent of those surveyed said that they are spending more time watching more shows and films on streaming services, 39 percent are listening to more music on streaming services, and 36 percent are spending more time on mobile apps in April alone.  

Today brick-and-mortar companies offering various products and services –  from food to clothing, medicines to medical consultation, home appliances to gym equipment, and insurance coverage among others, are getting adept at using digital payments like GCash,  online order platforms and on demand delivery services. 

 This provides an early  glimpse of what the cities of the future could be.

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