The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and Google Philippines have formed a partnership to provide cybersecurity scholarships to 500 government employees.
The program aims to equip government employees with the necessary skills to identify and combat cybersecurity threats, particularly when delivering digital services.
Last year, Google provided DICT with 5000 free online intermediate short ICT courses, and this year they will provide their Cybersecurity Certificate Courses through DICT.
The program offers self-paced training that lasts for three to six months, allowing qualified individuals to receive entry-level cybersecurity training even without prior experience.
The initiative is part of DICT's Cybersecurity Master Plan, which aims to position the Philippines as a regional leader in cybersecurity and strengthen the country's overall cybersecurity posture.
DICT and Google Philippines join forces for cybersecurity education program
500 government employees to benefit from DICT and Google Philippines collaboration
At a glance
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will partner with Google Philippines to provide scholarships to 500 government employees under the Cybersecurity Career Certificate program.
The program aims to train government employees to identify and combat potential cybersecurity threats to the country, mainly when delivering digital services.
Last year, Google provided DICT with 5000 free online intermediate short ICT courses in Data Analytics, UX Design, Project Management, and IT Support programming. This year, Google has committed to providing its Cybersecurity Certificate Courses through DICT.
Through a self-paced program that lasts for three to six months, the qualified individuals will undergo training for an entry-level job in cybersecurity, even without prior experience.
The continuing partnership between Google Philippines and DICT is an example of a public-private partnership that benefits the Filipino people. Photo from PCOO Facebook Page.
Jeffrey Ian Dy, Assistant Secretary at DICT, said "DICT aims to provide these Google Cybersecurity Certificates to government employees to improve their skills in responding to cybersecurity incidents and to identify basic cybersecurity needs of their agencies."
Dy, who is the Asec for Cybersecurity and Upskilling, emphasized that creating a cyber-safe culture is essential. "We need cybersecurity champions in every level and field, especially in government. With these trainings, we hope we can increase the level of competence of our government employees in promoting a trusted, secure, and resilient cyberspace for every Filipino." Dy added.
"Creating more pathways for Filipinos to acquire the right digital skills and to competitively enter the cybersecurity field is essential. Google is deeply committed to working closely with our local partners across the public and private sectors to help develop the next generation of cybersecurity workforce and experts in the country," said Bernadette Nacario, Country Director, Google Philippines.
The program is part of the DICT's Cybersecurity Master Plan, which aims to make the Philippines a regional leader in cybersecurity. The plan includes several initiatives to strengthen the country's cybersecurity posture.
The continuing partnership between Google Philippines and DICT is an example of a public-private partnership that benefits the Filipino people. This is in line with the President's directive to enhance capacity building in ICT, especially in the field of cybersecurity. The program is open to all government employees interested in a cybersecurity career.