With relevant policy tools, we can very well turn the current national crisis brought on by the Covid19 pandemic into an opportunity for meaningful social transformation.
Consider that, for one, many of our people are now already engaging in digital transactions like e-money-sending schemes to support one another under the current economic crisis which we all face.

The need to observe social distancing and other restrictions on physical mobility has led to a rise in the use of digital transactions even among the poorest among us what with many Filipinos having access to at least a smart mobile phone and thus potentially enabled to transact digitally.
With some push from the government, this behavioral momentum can in fact lead to a revved-up economy.
Moreover, in the education sector, we have seen how our young are now being taught using telecommunication systems or through the Internet.

However, I wish to underscore what should be rather obvious—being digitally enabled is limited or restricted by two main factors: one, the effectiveness and stability of our digital infrastructure systems, and two, especially in e-commerce, the economic power of our people as individual consumers.

Relatedly, in a previous article that I had written here, I had shown how our young learners in some indigenous peoples communities are facing great challenges to be able to continue on with their formal education via online or flexible learning schemes. A very basic concern in this regard is that many areas have no or very weak and unstable telecoms connections.

But there is some glitter of hope with continuing discussions in the Philippine legislature for an economic impetus package for all that could help advance digital transformation as it economically empowers our consumers.

Early this February, Speaker Lord Allan Velasco and Marikina 2nd District Representative Stella Luz Quimbo reportedly pushed for a third version of the Bayanihan to Arise as One Act seeking to secure an additional stimulus package amounting to ₱420 billion that will help revive the pandemic-battered economy.

Rep. Quimbo, filed House Bill (HB) No. 8628 or the proposed “Bayanihan to Arise As One Act,” also known as Bayanihan 3. The bill hopes to be a continuation of the Bayanihan to Heal as One and Bayanihan to Recover as One laws that were passed last year to combat the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Perhaps, This economic impetus package can even be expanded and later evolve to something like the Guaranteed Minimum Income (GMI) schemes in other countries or, also called universal basic income—a social-welfare system that guarantees all citizens or families an income sufficient to live on, provided that certain eligibility conditions are met. The primary goal of a guaranteed minimum income is the reduction of poverty.
Universal basic income (UBI), also called unconditional basic income, basic income, citizen's income, citizen's basic income, basic income guarantee, basic living stipend, or guaranteed annual income.

As a matter of fact, may I point out that, we already have these in some form with the DSWD’a 4Ps program and the social welfare initiatives of various local governments that target the most marginalized Filipino families. These programs are extremely popular that if there was a contest for it 2020’s Filipino word of the year could probably be “AYUDA.” [Spanish for aid/help]
The tremendous economic pressure brought forth by the pandemic should make us consider expanding, or at least coordinating, rationalizing, and further institutionalizing these programs, especially with our economic impetus advocates among our legislators attesting that we actually have the means to provide financial further support for our people.

Rep Quimbo who filed House Bill 8628 or the Bayanihan 3 bill, with Speaker Lord Allan Jay Velasco is hopeful that President Rodrigo Duterte will certify the bill as urgent with its key provisions including:

- ₱108 billion for the implementation of the social amelioration program for households affected by the COVID-19 pandemic;
- ₱52 billion package to subsidize small businesses for wages and other worker-related expenses;
- ₱100 billion allocation for the capacity building of businesses in critically impacted sectors;
- ₱70 billion to help the agriculture sector;
- ₱30 billion for unemployment assistance and cash for work programs of the Department of Labor and Employment

But do we have the resources for all these?
Quimbo said there's money to fund the implementation of the Bayanihan 3 bill, noting the various loans taken out by the government for COVID-19 response. She has pointed out that the government's cash balance as of the end of November 2020 stood at ₱1.6 trillion.

"Ang total loans po natin, ayon sa cash report ng Treasury is ₱2.82 trillion for 2020. Thus, the proposed ₱420-billion economic stimulus package should REALLY BE be affordable and manageable for our government now,” Quimbo said.