The people of the world are calling for inclusive growth. That is one of the formulas to achieve sustainable development goals in 2030, but how can we achieve inclusivity?
The internet plays a vital role in the progress of today’s generation and the future.
Many lives changed, the children prospered, and the jobless got their dream job or livelihood.
The internet of things freed many of the poor from the poverty line. Many Filipinos who grind in the online world who have not earned a Bachelor’s degree (or higher) have higher pay (six digits or more) in a month. Their stories are on some Reddit communities like phinvest.
Notable influencers (many of them) started from scratch and then prospered as their videos went viral online. One of the Filipino influencers I can site as an example is Mimiyuuuh. She shared her story of how she started and achieved success on her social media pages. She is one of the vast influencers in the world who benefited from the power of the internet.
Sadly, not all areas in the world (including places in the Philippines) are served (well) by network providers. In the municipality (Loreto, Agusan del Sur) where I live, we often lose internet connection. The signal of all networks (Globe, Smart, TM, TNT, PLDT, etc.) is too weak (mostly) that even sending a message is very challenging.
The municipality had a high poverty incidence at approximately 44.37% in 2018. The majority of the households are living below the food threshold. The local, national, and even international government/organizations are doing their best to reduce the poverty incidence by providing them with cash or livelihood assistance. It is a good move, but I believe that the aid would help the beneficiaries more with a good internet connection.
How can internet connectivity enhance and sustain livelihood?
The possibilities in the online world are vast. With a good internet connection, micro, small, and medium enterprises (entrepreneurs) can reach a broader market, thus increasing the probability of higher sales and revenue.
With the help of logistics companies, local products can be transported to the different parts of the Philippines or exported around the world.
Payment collection is now easy and fast with digital banks or e-wallets. The young generations in this municipality are becoming techy. They know how online payments work. They can assist the older generations in improving their livelihood through the use of e-commerce.
People around the world are going digital because it is less hassle.