MANILA – There is a need for the Philippines to institute and adopt a "whole-of-society approach" to ensure that the country's economic and national defense systems are capable of weathering any cyberattacks.
International think tank Stratbase ADR Institute (ADRI) president, Professor Victor Andres "Dindo" Manhit made this remark ahead of its two-day conference titled “Fortifying Cyber Cooperation Towards Digital Security”, slated Jan. 16 to 17 in Makati City.
The forum would be held in partnership with the Canadian Embassy in the Philippines.
“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,” Manhit said in a statement Wednesday.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, and Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman are expected to participate in this event.
He also added the National Security Policy Framework 2023 – 2028 has identified cyber, information, and cognitive security as a national security interest and a national security agenda.
On the first day of the conference, Manhit said focus will be given 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.
On the second day, the conference 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. (PNA)
