The Department of Information, Communications Technology (DICT) held its inaugural Cybersphere Philippines event earlier this month. The two-day conference drew around 500 participants and 30 exhibitors from 10 different countries.
DICT Secretary Ivan John E. Uy emphasized the need for cooperation among the government, private sector, and citizen groups in building a cyber-resilient nation. Singapore-based APAC Expo Pte. Ltd. has been given the exclusive right to organize the event for the next five years, with support from DICT and the Cybercrime Coordination and Investigating Center (CICC).
In his welcome speech, Secretary Uy outlined the essential components for the nation's digital future—cybersecurity, e-governance, and connectivity.
The DICT has developed a comprehensive cybersecurity plan for 2023-2028, focusing on a risk-based approach and identifying Critical Information Infrastructures. This plan has been submitted to the President for approval and is currently being reviewed by an inter-agency committee.
The event was deemed a "big success" by CICC Executive Director Alexander K. Ramos, serving as a platform for stakeholders to discuss current cybersecurity trends and issues. APAC Expo Managing Director Andrew Marriott expressed optimism for the event’s future, linking its potential growth to the Philippines' promising economic outlook.
First Cybersphere Philippines conference unveils national strategy for cybersecurity and digital transformation
Over 500 participants from 10 countries converged to discuss critical pillars for securing the Philippines' digital future
At a glance
Department of Information, Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan John E. Uy emphasized the role of the government, private sector, and citizen groups in building a cyber-resilient nation at the first Cybersphere Philippines held on early this month. The two-day event attracted about 500 participants and 30 exhibitors from 10 countries.
Singapore-based APAC Expo Pte. Ltd. has the exclusive right to organize the international conference and exhibition within the next five years with the support of DICT and the Cybercrime Coordination and Investigating Center (CICC).
In his welcome video speech, Secretary Uy reiterated the vital pillars of the country's digital transformation: cybersecurity, e-governance, and connectivity.
In cybersecurity, the DICT has developed the National Cybersecurity Plan 2023-2028, which emphasizes a risk-based approach and focuses on identifying Critical Information Infrastructures based on their significance and potential economic impact if breached.
The National Cyber Security Plan 2023-2028 has been submitted to the President for approval, while an inter-agency committee is now intensively discussing all its provisions.
"We are hopeful that once this strategy is approved, our target to ensure a safe cyberspace for every Filipino is further ensured," Secretary Uy added.
CICC Executive Director Alexander K. Ramos considered the event a "big success" because it served as an effective platform for all stakeholders to learn about the latest trends and discuss issues related to cybersecurity and cloud technologies.
"Cyber security is the concern of everyone. We have to engage all sectors in the fight against cybercrimes," CICC Executive Director Ramos said.
APAC Expo Managing Director Andrew Marriott was optimistic that Cybersphere Philippines will continue to grow with the expected growth in the events market.
"With the future growth of the Philippines economy looking so positive, I sincerely hope many investment opportunities will be grasped to continue to develop a resilient National ICT Network," he said.
Aside from DICT and CICC, Mr. Marriott also expressed gratitude to other government agencies that supported the conference, such as the Philippine National Police, PNP-ACG and PNP-ITMS, NBI, and the Philippines Tourism Promotions Board. For the private sector, he thanked the sponsors GCash, PLDT, Unionbank, Nabua Law, Globaltronics and DOOH.