The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) signed a Memorandum of Agreement [MOA] in a bid to facilitate close cooperation, coordination, and efficient coordinated action toward cybersecurity efforts.

This came after the MMDA sought the help of the CICC in conducting information communications technology (ICT) security, cybercrime resilience, and data protection evaluations of the agency's critical information infrastructure (CII).

In a statement, the agency said it will engage closely with CICC and other relevant government agencies and private sector groups on cybersecurity and anti-cybercrime planning and policy formulation activities.

MMDA Acting Chairperson Don Artes and CICC Executive Director Alexander Ramos inked the MOA. 

Artes emphasized the necessity of cybercrime resilience in the face of increasing technical advancements.

“We are very thankful to the CICC for their assistance in ensuring that appropriate and effective cybercrime risk mitigation measures are in place,” he expressed.

Cyber protection is crucial to the agency, which handles large amounts of data such as apprehensions and video footage of the major thoroughfares recorded via CCTVs along the metropolis, among others, the MMDA chief added.

“Our partnership with the CICC will aid in safeguarding these crucial data that we handle on a daily basis as we remain committed to our vision of a safe and livable metropolis,” said Artes.

Meanwhile, the MMDA stated that the CICC will provide authorized MMDA officials with access to NCH resources, technical experience, and institutional/international connections in order to execute MMDA duties.

“Aside from the ICT security, cybercrime resilience, and data protection assessments of the MMDA’s CII, the CICC will likewise assist the MMDA in the pursuit of its key digitalization projects such as the revitalization of its Security Operations Center, among others, to ensure that cybersecurity and cybercrime risk mitigation are achieved,” the agency went on.

Moreover, the MMDA said they will work hand-in-hand with them, along with other relevant government agencies and private sector organizations, on initiatives towards cybersecurity and anti-cybercrime planning and policy formulation.

“The two agencies will also share both of their resources to enable a more effective implementation of their respective mandates.”