The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on Friday, July 19, announced the success of the inaugural "US-PH Cyber-Digital Policy Dialogue" between the Philippines and the United States.
In a press conference hosted by the DICT in a hybrid setting, officials elaborated on the results of the international dialogue.
"This landmark event represents a significant step forward in strengthening our cooperation in cybersecurity and digital policy, aiming to support the growth of the digital economy and promote international stability in cyberspace," DICT Assistant Secretary Aboy Paraiso said.
In the media briefing, Paraiso explained that the first day of the dialogue focused on national cyber strategies, bilateral cooperation against cyber threats, and promoting an open, secure, and reliable Internet.
"The dialogue emphasized promoting an open, interoperable, secure, and reliable Internet and stable cyberspace, discussing the role of accountability in cyberspace and deterring malicious cyber activity," Paraiso said.
"Participants also explored strengthening regional cooperation on cyber capacity building and efforts to combat cybercrime, reaffirming their commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation and strengthen cyber resilience," he added.
Meanwhile, for the second day, the official emphasized that the dialogue centered on addressing digital policy, infrastructure, and cooperation in capacity building, with both countries endorsing secure 5G networks and O Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) architectures.
The event occurred on July 15 to 16 in Washington, D.C.
Representing the Philippine delegation was DICT Secretary Ivan John E. Uy, who, along with U.S. Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy Nathaniel Fick, provided the opening remarks.
The Cyber Policy discussions were chaired by Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Cyberspace Security Liesyl Franz and Philippines DICT Undersecretary for Infostructure Management, Cybersecurity, and Upskilling Jeffrey Ian C. Dy.
The Philippine delegation comprised officials from various key agencies, including DICT, Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), National Security Council (NSC), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Transportation (DOTR), Philippine National Police (PNP) Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), National Privacy Commission (NPC), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), Department of National Defense (DND), and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)
The U.S. delegation, meanwhile, included representatives from the Department of State, the Office of the National Cyber Directorate, USAID, and the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, Commerce, and Justice, including the Criminal Division and FBI.