National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said the country is exploring the integration of digital technologies and green processes for sustainability.

Balisacan said that a green and digital transition is vital for the country’s sustainable growth.

"Going green and digital would be an integral strategy for the Philippines," the NEDA chief said at the 9th Annual Public Policy Conference.

"The Philippine government, through evidence-based policies and programs, is committed to leading the pursuit of the twin transition," he added.

For the digital trade, Balisacan said the information and communications technology (ICT) goods comprised around 48.5 percent of Philippine exports and 21.8 percent of imports in 2021.

“The Philippine digital economy has contributed significantly to the country’s income as its gross value added hovered around nine to 10 percent of the country’s GDP [gross domestic product],” he said

While digitally deliverable services accounted for 77.8 percent of the country’s services exports and 54 percent of services imports in 2021.

The country also has leverage in the green metals industry regarding green transition as it is a top supplier of nickel which is integral in manufacturing electric vehicle batteries, Balisacan said.

“It is also one of the top cobalt producers in the world and possesses steady supply of the copper,” he further said.

Meanwhile, Balisacan also emphasized the modernization of farms as entailed in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, through the employing of advanced technologies including location-specific, sensor-driven, and precision agricultural methods.

Enterprises will be given incentives to develop eco-friendly technologies and establish facilities to recover, reuse, and recycle waste, according to the NEDA chief.