The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has begun a pioneering effort to improve its network infrastructure and protect against cyber threats, recognizing the impact of digital transformation on government operations and service delivery
The DSWD’s Information and Communications Technology Management Service (ICTMS) and the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) held a meeting last March 1 to discuss multiple cybersecurity and network projects.
“Cybersecurity is not just a project; it is a cornerstone of our digital transformation journey. Under the leadership of President Bongbong Marcos, we are mandated to pivot towards a digital future. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to safeguarding the integrity and confidentiality of our beneficiaries’ data, ensuring the continuity of our services amidst the evolving cyber threats,” DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said during the meeting.
The OCIO-initiated assembly brought together DSWD’s technology partners, including global and local leaders like Palo Alto Networks, ePLDT, GOCOM Systems, Microdata, and AMTI, as well as ICT officers from across the country.
DSWD CIO Assistant Secretary Julius Gorospe said the collaboration demonstrates the department’s commitment to using advanced cybersecurity solutions, putting them at the forefront of technological innovation in social welfare and development services.
“Today, we are setting the stage for a secure and resilient digital infrastructure that will empower us to deliver more efficient and effective services to the Filipino people. Our focus on cybersecurity is crucial in building trust and confidence in our services,” Gorospe said.
He also pointed out the urgency of implementing strong cybersecurity measures.
“With a staggering 400 percent increase in cybercrime cases in the Philippines in 2023, the DSWD’s initiative is both timely and imperative. These cybersecurity and network projects are not merely technological upgrades but strategic investments in the safety and well-being of the millions of Filipinos who depend on the DSWD’s services,” Gorospe explained.
“Through these initiatives, the DSWD reaffirms its commitment to leveraging technology for social good, ensuring that every Filipino family and individual can look forward to a more secure, inclusive, and digitally empowered future,” he added.
Meanwhile, ICTMS Director Christian Joseph Regunay highlighted the significance of the initiative in strengthening the DSWD’s cybersecurity.
“By fortifying our defenses with cutting-edge cybersecurity measures, we are not only protecting our data but also ensuring that every Filipino family and individual relying on our services remains safe and supported in the digital age,” he said.