Recognizing the need to invest in a cyber-resilient future for the Philippines, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on Monday, Oct. 16, hosted the "HackforGov Finals: Capture-the-Flag Competition 2023" in Manila.

With the theme, “Building Cyber Champions: Strengthening our Nation through Cyber Awareness and Action,” DICT Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Renato A. Paraiso emphasized the importance of a collective determination to address cybersecurity challenges.

"When we ensure the development and growth of our cybersecurity professionals through various initiatives—be it in competitions like this or in training programs—we are investing in a cyber-resilient future for the Philippines," he said.

"We hope that the future cyber leaders who are here with us today will be instrumental in coaching new entrants and building more robust teams in whatever sector they may be," he added.

The said competition began last April 2023. All the regional winners who earned their tickets to the finals are now in the championship stage, vying for the title.

READ:

https://mb.com.ph/2023/4/14/dict-cert-ph-kicks-off-hack-for-gov-capture-the-flag-competition-2023

"The main goal of this initiative is to accelerate the development of cyber-proficient students, inspire them to consider careers in cybersecurity, and cultivate their problem-solving abilities in identifying and mitigating cybersecurity threats," DICT said in a statement.

Misconceptions on ‘hacking’

Meanwhile, DICT Undersecretary for Connectivity, Cybersecurity, and Upskilling Jeffrey Ian C. Dy clarified the public's misconception regarding the term "hacking."

"'Hacking' is not a negative term; we have ethical hacking, which we also need in order to enforce and strengthen our cyber security," Dy told reporters in a mix of English and Filipino on the sidelines of the event.

"I think it is important that we develop our cybersecurity as a career, including ethical hacking," he added.

Winners

In this year's championship round, a total of 20 participants from various regions across the country will compete for a chance to represent the Philippines at the 2023 ASEAN-Japan Cybersecurity Capacity Building Center (AJCCBC) Cyber Sea Games.

The international event will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, on Nov. 9 to 10.

In addition, the winner will also represent the country in the ASEAN Cyber Shield (ACS), the 1st ACS Hacking Contest, scheduled to take place from Nov. 21 to 23 in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Team "ADDU," representing Region 11 (Davao Region), clinched the title and will represent the country in the mentioned major competitions abroad.

The students on this team are Ian Emmanuel Enanoria, Angelli Kezzed Alkuino, Shaun Brannon Leonor, and Reinhardt Benedicto.

Meanwhile, team "IM1ssh3r" from Region 7 (Central Visayas) secured the 1st runner-up spot, while the wild card team "Captcha" was the 2nd runner-up.

The event was organized by the Philippine National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-PH) under DICT’s Cybersecurity Bureau (CSB) in line with the DICT's 2023 Cybersecurity Month celebration.