The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that nearly eight out of 10 Filipinos aged 15 to 64 used the Internet in 2024, with online communication emerging as the most common digital skill among users.
In its fifth report from the 2024 Functional Literacy, Education, and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS), the PSA said 78.2 percent of Filipinos in the age group, or an estimated 57.91 million individuals, used the Internet between July and September 2024.
About 21.8 percent, equivalent to 16.17 million people, did not use the Internet during the same period.
The survey also measured Information and Communications Technology (ICT) skills under Sustainable Development Goal Indicator 4.4.1, which tracks the proportion of youth and adults with digital competencies needed for work and daily life.
Results showed that communication and collaboration skills were the strongest among Internet users. Some 92.3 percent demonstrated the ability to interact and engage online, while 80.1 percent were classified as having above-basic proficiency in the category.
Information and data literacy ranked second, with 85.1 percent demonstrating skills such as searching for, evaluating, and verifying online information. Of these, 72.2 percent achieved above-basic proficiency.
The survey found lower levels of proficiency in more technical areas. About 72.6 percent demonstrated problem-solving skills using digital tools, but only 50.4 percent reached above-basic competency.
Meanwhile, 64.8 percent demonstrated online safety skills, including managing privacy and digital risks, with 54.3 percent assessed at above-basic levels.
Digital content creation registered the weakest results among the five ICT skill areas measured. While 52.8 percent of Internet users demonstrated content creation skills, only 35 percent reached above-basic proficiency. The category includes activities such as producing, modifying, or programming digital content.
The findings suggest that while Internet adoption continues to expand across the country and most users are comfortable with online communication, more advanced digital competencies remain less common.
The PSA said the survey follows estimation frameworks developed by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), allowing the Philippines’ ICT skills indicators to be compared with those of other countries.
