International think-tank Stratbase ADR Institute has partnered with the Canadian Embassy in Manila in conducting an upcoming two-day conference on cybersecurity.

Top government officials, cyber experts and other stakeholders will gather for what the institute called as the "first major cybersecurity event of 2024," which will be held starting Jan. 16 in Makati City.

In a statement, Stratbase President Dindo Manhit said the upcoming conference entitled "Fortifying Cyber Cooperation Towards Digital Security" would emphasize "the need for a whole-of-society approach to ensure that the Philippines’ economic and national defense systems are resilient from cyberattacks this 2024 and beyond."

“The Philippines is expected to continue its pursuit of digital transformation with a focus on promoting inclusive economic growth and safeguarding cyberspace. But it takes a whole-of-society to do this. The public and the private sector must be actively engaged to achieve a digitally transformed and competitive Philippines. That is the whole idea behind the conference,” he said.

In organizing the event, Manhit cited the National Security Policy Framework 2022-2028, which identified cyber, information, and cognitive security as a national security interest and a national security agenda.

The first day of the conference, Manhit said, will focus on examining the current cybersecurity landscape of the Philippines, including policies and strategies to manage cyber risks, and different cyber-related issues in various sectors of the country including cybercrimes and disinformation.

Among the attendees are National Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman, Head of Canadian Centre for Cyber Security Sami Khoury, Information and Communications Technology Undersecretary Jeffrey Ian Dy, Justice Undersecretary Geronimo Sy, Commission on Elections Commissioner Nelson Celis, and key officials from the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, National Security Council, Department of Energy, National Privacy Commission, PLDT Group and Smart Communications, Globe Telecom, and Fintech Philippines Association.

“Collaboration between the public and private sectors is paramount. Working together in the pursuit of digital transformation offers a more promising platform for the Philippines. The private sector, as a key player in the emergence and development of technology, may lend its technological expertise and resources to contribute to the digital transformation agenda,” he said.

The second day, he added, will explore how the Philippines can work with the international community on cybersecurity and discuss recommendations on how to strengthen cyber resiliency to achieve digital security in the Philippines.

Among the attendees are Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Jesus “Gary” Domingo, Makati Mayor Mar-Len Abigail Binay, Microsoft Philippines Chief Executive Office Peter Maquera, and key officials and experts from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Bureau of Investigation, Orbis Operations, Australia National University, and National University of Singapore, and leading innovators in cybersecurity technologies.

“A whole-of-society approach to ensure cyber resilience also requires investing in people and processes, not just technology. Building the capacities of the Filipino workforce require strengthening ICT training through upskilling and reskilling as well as providing opportunities for professional development,” he said.