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<div style="line-height:1"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177451299114620260323030336_1.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Securing the country against possible future cyberattacks. <em>Photo source: I AM SECURE </em></span></span></span></div><p style="line-height:1">The rapid digital adaptation has transformed the economic and social landscape of the Philippines. It has also developed the country&#x27;s financial access to previously unbanked, rural, and underserved populations. Moreover, MSMEs were able to thrive due to the rapid digital adaptation in the Philippines, also, some government services grew, remote work and education were put into place, and access to healthcare at home was made possible through telemedicine.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Now, as a high percentage of the Philippine population relies on digital services, protecting critical infrastructure, financial institutions, and personal data against cyberattacks is crucial.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><div style="line-height:1"><strong>Creating a continuing legacy of cybersecurity excellence</strong></div><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">In 2018, a Filipino-led cybersecurity initiative, I AM SECURE, played a role in helping shape the country&#x27;s digital defense landscape. By bringing together leaders from government, enterprise, and the technology sector, the platform advances a unified approach to cybersecurity—driving resilience, trust, and innovation.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">As threats become intelligent, I AM SECURE 2026 called on organizations and leaders across the Philippines to rise together in building a secure and future-ready digital nation.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">The Philippines&#x27; cybersecurity landscape took center stage with the official launch of I AM SECURE 2026, now in its 9th year, bringing together the country&#x27;s leading cybersecurity experts, government institutions, and enterprise leaders. Anchored on the theme &quot;Soaring High: Future Ready in the Age of Intelligent Threats,&quot; the program highlights the urgent need for organizations to evolve in response to increasingly sophisticated and intelligent cyber risks.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Since its inception, I AM SECURE has grown into one of the most influential cybersecurity event series in the country convening thousands of professionals from over 600 companies across 20 industries, alongside more than 50 thought leaders, 40 global solution providers, two exclusive CXO Connect sessions, and one flagship conference.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><div style="line-height:1"><strong>National leaders align on cybersecurity priorities</strong></div><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">At the official press conference held on March 18, key government leaders and cybersecurity authorities, institution partners of the program, shared their insights on strengthening national cyber resilience and advancing digital governance.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Among those present were:</p><p style="line-height:1">- Secretary Henry Aguda, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)</p><p style="line-height:1">- Robert Paguia, Division Chief, Data Protection Office, Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC)</p><p style="line-height:1">- Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla, Spokesperson,Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)</p><p style="line-height:1">- Colonel Roland Ong, Deputy Brigade Commander, 1503rd Ready Reserve Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army Reserve Command</p><p style="line-height:1">- Police Brigadier General Wilson Asueta, Acting Director, Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG)</p><p style="line-height:1">- Police Colonel Jay Guillermo, Chief of the Cyber Response Unit, Philippine National Police (PNP-ACG) </p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">These leaders emphasized the importance of a whole-of-nation approach to cybersecurity, highlighting ongoing and upcoming initiatives aimed at strengthening cyber defense, data protection, law enforcement capabilities, and digital infrastructure across the Philippines.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">The discussions also reinforced the critical role of public–private partnerships in addressing emerging threats and ensuring sustainable economic and digital growth.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><div style="line-height:1"><strong>Driving a unified cybersecurity agenda</strong></div><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Industry leaders underscored the growing urgency for collaboration as cyber threats become advanced and pervasive.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">&quot;Cybersecurity today is a shared responsibility across all sectors. Strengthening collaboration is key to ensuring that we are prepared to address increasingly intelligent threats,&quot; said Chito Jacinto, President of the Information Security Officers Group (ISOG).</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">&quot;Much like the concept of an omniverse—where multiple worlds, systems, and realities converge—today&#x27;s digital landscape is deeply interconnected. Threats no longer exist in isolation. I AM SECURE 2026 sets the stage for bringing together government, enterprises, and technology leaders to operate as one unified ecosystem, strengthening our collective defense in this increasingly complex environment.&quot;</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">&quot;We continue to expand ISOG&#x27;s reach across industries to ensure that cybersecurity awareness and capabilities are embedded at every level of the organization. As threats become more complex and interconnected, our organization remains committed to strengthening collaboration, upskilling the workforce, and empowering organizations to adopt proactive and resilient security strategies that can keep pace with the evolving threat landscape.&quot; added Alvin Punsalan, Vice President of ISOG.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Representing the program&#x27;s strategic direction and execution, Xialeemar Valdeavilla, CEO of XMS and I AM SECURE Partner, emphasized:</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">&quot;I AM SECURE 2026 is a platform for collaboration and innovation that enables organizations to become future-ready. It also strengthens the Philippines&#x27; position as a hub for high-value MICE engagements within the growing cybersecurity market projected to exceed US$269 million, according to Statista Market Insights while supporting the country&#x27;s expanding digital economy valued at over US$35 billion based on industry estimates.&quot;</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><div style="line-height:1"><strong>A year-round platform for cybersecurity leadership</strong></div><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">The 2026 series will roll out through a structured calendar of engagements designed to foster executive dialogue, technical exchange, and industry collaboration.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">- June 17 – CXO Connect Series 1 (Exclusive, invitation-only technology session).</p><p style="line-height:1">- August 5 – CXO Connect Series 2 (Exclusive, invitation-only technology session).</p><p style="line-height:1">- October – ISOGx Conference Season 4: Cybersecurity Pitch and Exhibition,  SMX Convention Center, SM Aura, Bonifacio Global City.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Highlighting the significance of the program lineup, Pam Valmonte, I AM SECURE Head and Operations Manager of XMS, shared:</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">&quot;The strength of I AM SECURE 2026 lies in its ability to deliver meaningful, year-round engagements. Each initiative from CXO Connect to ISOGx is designed to create impact by enabling knowledge exchange, fostering collaboration, and driving actionable cybersecurity strategies across industries.&quot;</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><div style="line-height:1"><strong>Strong industry and institutional support</strong></div><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">The initiative continues to receive strong backing from key institutions including the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Philippine Clearing House Corporation (PHCH) and the Department of Finance (DOF), reflecting its alignment with national cybersecurity priorities.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">It is also supported by professional and industry organizations such as ISACA Manila Chapter, ITIP, ISC2, Cloud Security Alliance, Cybersecurity Council of the Philippines (CSCP), Bank Security Management Association (BSMA), Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines (RBAP), ROOTCON, and TG Group.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><div style="line-height:1"><strong>Global cybersecurity leaders support the initiative</strong></div><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">I AM SECURE 2026 is powered by cybersecurity companies and solution providers. Titanium Sponsors: F5 (via Westcon), NMI, Rapid7, Datadog (via Netsec), Infoblox; Platinum Sponsors: Forcepoint, Varonis (via Westcon), Exabeam, Gold Sponsors: Gigamon (via MEC and MTech), Broadcom (via Westcon), Menlo Security (via Netsec and VST-ECS), Silver Sponsor: Netsec.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">The program reinforced a unified national effort to strengthen cybersecurity—bringing together leaders, institutions, and industries to address the evolving threat landscape and secure the country&#x27;s digital future.</p><div style="line-height:1"><br/></div><div style="line-height:1"><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9HHQfnm9vQc??si=tauVLt193h75ThOm&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">For more information on following events and updates, visit the I AM Secure <a href="https://iamsecure.ph/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">website</a>. Follow I AM SECURE on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@IAMSecure.Campaign" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">YouTube</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/i-am-secure-ph/?viewAsMember=true" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> and on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/iamsecureofficial" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. </p><div style="line-height:1"><br/></div>

<p>A unifying approach to cybersecurity will enable the country to strengthen resilience, build trust, and drive innovation against cyberattacks.</p>

A unifying approach to cybersecurity will enable the country to strengthen resilience, build trust, and drive innovation against cyberattacks.

How is PH fighting cybersecurity threats?

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How is PH fighting cybersecurity threats?

I AM SECURE

Published March 26, 2026 04:25 PM PHT

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Updated March 26, 2026 04:38 PM PHT

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