• The DICT and its Cybersecurity Bureau, in collaboration with Digital Pilipinas, have committed to building a more secure digital future for the Philippines, addressing the nation’s cybersecurity challenges.
• DICT Secretary Ivan Uy outlined the department’s goals, including offering scholarships, training programs, and the establishment of a National Cybersecurity Operations Center to strengthen the country’s cybersecurity industry.
• Cybersecurity Month 2023 aims to inspire collective efforts in cybersecurity and features various themes, capacity-building trainings, and engagement with key industry figures.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and its Cybersecurity Bureau, in collaboration with Digital Pilipinas (DP), have formally committed to creating a roadmap for a more secure digital future for the Philippines, in support of the national government’s goal of strategically positioning the country as a leading cybersecurity hub.

PH as a Digital and Cybersecurity Hub

A media release stated that the partnership between the two parties comes as the Philippines faces the challenge of being ranked second globally in recorded cyberattacks, resulting in significant financial losses of up to P100 million, according to data provided by the Philippine National Police.

“The DICT pushes for a cybersecure future. Our goal is to unify these sectors, capacitate and nurture cybersecurity professionals, and assist agencies in protecting their data.”

John Ivan Uy, Secretary, DICT

Secretary Uy stated that the DICT will offer scholarships and programs, essential training, and assist in orienting professionals on protecting ICT assets in order to support its drive to upskill and strengthen the country’s professional cybersecurity industry. He added that they will achieve this cybersecurity intelligence with the establishment of a National Cybersecurity Operations Center.

Accordingly, Digital Pilipinas, a private sector-led tech movement,  partnered with the DICT and its Cybersecurity Bureau to actively develop and promote a consistent cybersecurity framework.

In order to formalize the partnership with Digital Pilipinas, Secretary Uy and Undersecretary Jeff Dy signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Convenor Amor Maclang, signifying a joint commitment to build a more secure and digitally safer Philippines. 

“We feel so strongly about supporting the DICT under the leadership of Secretary Ivan Uy because the digital transformation of the Philippines today requires us to celebrate how we will move together in a whole-of-nation, whole-of-government, whole-of-business approach.”

Amor Maclang, Lead Convenor, Digital Pilipinas

MTRCB Chairperson Dioerella “Lala” Sotto also signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Sec. Ivan Uy and Usec. Jeff Dy of the DICT, highlighting that the safety of the nation’s cyberspace is of utmost importance, as it affects not only professional and corporate users, but also the general public.

“Our partnership is an invitation to all stakeholders, including parents, educators, creators, and technology providers, to unite and create a safer, more responsible, and more empowering digital future for all Filipinos.”

Lala Sotto, Chairperson, MTRCB

Cybersecurity Month  

Cybersecurity Month 2023 is centered on the theme “Sama-Sama para sa Cyberseguridad,” which means “Together for Cybersecurity.” The theme aims to inspire and initiate collective efforts in cybersecurity for a more digitally healthy future for the country.

The press release noted that the event brought together government officials, industry leaders, experts, investors, and foreign dignitaries. They discussed efficient collaboration and the development of effective cyberattack protocols and defenses. 

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and its Cybersecurity Bureau have been working with the public and private sectors to champion cybersecurity initiatives. Secretary Ivan Uy emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration among all stakeholders to address cybersecurity threats.

“Let us remember that cybersecurity is not just a technical issue, but also a human one…It affects all of us, and we must bridge the gap between technical expertise and public understanding to make cybersecurity accessible and understandable to everyone, so that we can protect our digital lives and create a more secure and reliable cyberspace.”

Ivan Uy, Secretary, DICT

Throughout the month-long Cybersecurity Month celebration, the government will adopt a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity, featuring various themes and engaging in capacity-building trainings with support from different government agencies. These themes will include consumer protection in the banking and financial industry, policy and law enforcement, citizen-facing services, platforms, and international cooperation. In addition, key industry figures and cybersecurity advocates, including Digital Pilipinas co-convenors, will participate in various activities during Cybersecurity Month. 

In a statement, it was stressed that Cybersecurity Month will precede the inaugural TrustTech and Cybersecurity Festival. This festival will take place during the upcoming Digital Pilipinas Festival Year 2, scheduled from November 20-24. The event will be hosted at the SMX Aura Convention Center and in various co-located venues and innovation hubs across the Philippines.

Recent News about DICT on Cybersecurity

During the Philippine Block Awards last month, DICT Secretary John Ivan Uy was among the awardees, receiving the Leadership Award for his significant contributions to the blockchain ecosystem.The Block Awards is an annual event supported by the DICT, aimed at acknowledging individuals who have made substantial contributions to the blockchain industry in the Philippines. 

In addition, during the Philippine Blockchain Week, the DICT led the side event “Block Bytes: Blockchain 101 for Students.” It is a half-day session designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to blockchain technology, covering its core concepts, applications, and potential impact. Led by industry experts, students explored topics such as decentralized networks, cryptocurrencies, smart contracts, real-world use cases, career opportunities, and more.

Prior to Block Bytes, the department also reached out to local e-wallet and crypto platform Coins.ph to conduct the “Blockchain 101: Blockchain for Beginners” webinar to educate individuals about crypto and non-fungible token (NFT).

This article is published on BitPinas: DICT Aims to Transform the PH into a Digital, Cybersecurity Hub

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