MANILA – In a landmark event underscoring the Philippines’ commitment to digital security, the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), in partnership with IBM, Google, and Amazon Web Services (AWS), hosted the 3rd Digital Transformation in Government Series (DIGIT) workshop on Nov. 14, 2024, at the Marco Polo Hotel in Pasig City.
This year’s workshop drew over 120 officials from 45 government agencies, along with key industry leaders, for critical discussions on enhancing cybersecurity resilience and implementing the National Cybersecurity Plan 2023-2028 (NSCP).
Ambassador (ret.) Brian McFeeters, senior vice president and regional managing director of the USABC, highlighted the increasing urgency of digital security for public trust, stating, “In support of the Philippine government’s digitalization goals, the Council is proud to continue our flagship series on digital transformation in government. By bringing together experts across sectors, we’re working to secure digital assets and fortify public confidence in government systems.”
Philippine government leaders reiterated the administration’s digitalization drive. Undersecretary Agapito Guanlao of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) emphasized the Marcos Jr. administration’s commitment to a secure digital landscape, saying, “Through active collaboration with the private sector, the government is committed to addressing digitalization and cybersecurity challenges to ensure a safer digital environment for all.”
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, Senate committee chair on science and technology, voiced support, recognizing cybersecurity as a critical pillar in the digital age. “The challenge before us is not just to keep pace with technology but to be proactive in protecting our data and infrastructure. Investing in cybersecurity is vital for empowering our people to live and work confidently in a digital world,” he said in a statement.
In a keynote presentation, DICT Undersecretary Jeffrey Ian Dy outlined progress and challenges in implementing the NSCP, stressing the urgent need to address cybersecurity skills gaps in the public sector. “We need the collective effort of the private sector to build cybersecurity capabilities across government,” Dy stated, commending the USABC’s role in capacity-building efforts.
The workshop featured technical sessions from IBM, Google, and AWS, focusing on critical aspects of cybersecurity. IBM and the Philippine Statistics Authority led discussions on securing citizens’ digital identity and data. Google, along with the DICT, National Economic Development Authority, Department of Energy, and National Telecommunications Commission shared strategies for safeguarding critical infrastructure, advocating for cross-sectoral collaboration to strengthen cyber resilience. AWS wrapped up the presentations by outlining cloud security best practices tailored for government use.
Looking ahead, USABC aims to expand the DIGIT series into a multi-day program to further explore and address digital transformation and cybersecurity challenges, marking a significant step towards building a secure and trusted digital environment in the Philippines.
