E-commerce Shines Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

The online retailing and e-commerce industry in the Philippines is having a breakout season as traditional forms of retail businesses continue to be disrupted amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic still sweeping throughout the country.

Even as malls have re-opened in most cities and towns in the Philippines, the effect of COVID-19 pandemic is still present with malls and other retail owners still feeling the pressure on their backs, with establishments still suffering losses due to the pandemic.

This comes as the general public is still strongly advised to stay indoors even though more relaxed forms of quarantine protocols are in place.

With the changing mindset of the public in going out of their homes and increased awareness regarding the severity of the pandemic, retailers in the country are now improvising their strategies as they use e-commerce as an alternative way for them to earn.

“Online shopping and marketing platforms will play (a) bigger role in the new normal as businesses and consumers increase the use of electronic transactions, including cashless payment systems and other financial technology platforms,” Acting NEDA Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said in a statement last June.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is also making strides in supporting the growing e-commerce and online retail industry in the country.

“Twenty years after this pioneering legislation was passed, we need to revisit the law to make it more relevant to the times and future-proofing it. We need to take into account the substantial developments in technology, the widespread use of internet, and the growing ecommerce sector,” said DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez during the commemoration of the 20th year of Republic Act No. 8792 or the “eCommerce Act of 2000” signed last 14 June 2000.

He also said DTI will support various bills relating to e-commerce.

“To strengthen ecommerce in the country, DTI is supporting the various bills related to ecommerce, particularly House Bill (HB) No. 6122 or the ‘Internet Transactions Act’ authored by Trade Committee Chair Representative Wes Gatchalian,” Sec. Lopez said.

In a survey by Rakuten Insight, 41 percent of the respondents stated they purchased more online during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines as of May 2020. Only 20 percent said they did not make online purchases, according to the published survey by Statista. (GFB)

Image source: Statista