By Raymond Carl dela Cruz
MANILA – The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on Tuesday opened the Philippine Cybersecurity Conference 2026, calling for unified cross-sector efforts to strengthen the country’s defenses against evolving cyber threats.
In a statement, the DICT said Secretary Robert Joseph “Jay” de Claro underscored that protecting personal data, critical infrastructure, and essential digital services requires cooperation across sectors.
“No single agency can protect all of this alone,” de Claro said.
Held as part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the conference runs from Oct. 20 to 22 under the theme “Cyber Balangayan: Forging a Resilient Nation Through Cooperation, Capability, and Collective Defense.”
The event organized by the DICT Cybersecurity Bureau aims to strengthen cybersecurity capabilities, improve incident response, and deepen partnerships in addressing emerging threats.
Those present on the first day included Rep. Brian Poe Llamanzares, Office of the Executive Secretary Undersecretary Facundo Palafox IV, and DICT Undersecretaries Leandro Angelo Aguirre, Christian Mark Guingcangco, and Rodil Aniban.
Representatives from the embassies of Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom, as well as the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Korea International Cooperation Agency, also attended.
“Let us move toward it as one balangay (plank boat),” de Claro said, calling on stakeholders to work together in addressing cybersecurity challenges.
The DICT continues to strengthen the country’s cybersecurity capabilities and foster collaboration among stakeholders to build a safer, more secure, and resilient digital Philippines. (PNA)
