Cybersecurity Council of Philippines Boosts National Defense
Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda led the oath-taking of the founding Board of Directors of the Cybersecurity Council of the Philippines (CSCP) on Thursday. He stressed the urgent need to reinforce the country’s cyber defense in today’s fully digitized society.
The newly formed CSCP aims to elevate the cybersecurity conversation beyond technical matters by involving business leaders and high-level decision-makers. CSCP Chairman and President Donald Lim highlighted that the council is made up not just of IT practitioners but also executives and key policymakers who have the power to implement and fund cybersecurity initiatives across industries.
“In cybersecurity, the final decision will always rest with the executives. Our goal is to ensure that those making the decisions are also cyber-aware,” Lim said, emphasizing the council’s mission to educate leaders on the evolving cyber threat landscape in the Philippines.
Cybersecurity Council of Philippines Partners With Government
Secretary Aguda welcomed the launch of the CSCP as a vital ally in advancing the government’s digital agenda. He echoed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call to not only speed up internet access but also ensure it is safe for all Filipinos.
Aguda revealed that in his first 85 days leading the DICT, over 60% of his efforts have focused on cybersecurity, reflecting how critical digital safety has become in governance. “That’s how serious this is,” he remarked, adding that cybersecurity is now a core pillar of public service and digital transformation.
Under President Marcos Jr.’s leadership, cybersecurity has been raised to a top government priority. As the country rapidly adopts digital infrastructure—from e-governance and online education to fintech and smart cities—the risks linked to cyber threats also grow.
Aguda compared the digital environment to a national highway system: “We’re building faster, more connected roads for Filipinos to travel on. But if that highway is filled with potholes, scammers, and bad actors, it becomes dangerous. President Marcos has made it clear: speed is important, but safety is non-negotiable.”
Vision and Mission of the Cybersecurity Council of Philippines
The council envisions a future where the Philippines is both resilient and cyber-secure. In this vision, businesses, government agencies, and individuals are shielded from cyber threats and empowered to trust and grow in the digital economy.
CSCP pledges to unite key sectors—corporate, government, and academe—to strengthen the national cybersecurity ecosystem. Through strategic collaboration, it will drive policy advocacy, capacity-building, awareness campaigns, and joint initiatives that protect institutions and citizens from rising cybercrime risks.
The council’s mission rests on inclusivity, sustainability, and the belief that cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility.
Core Objectives of the Cybersecurity Council of Philippines
The CSCP has outlined six key goals:
1. Raise awareness and advocacy: Promote cybersecurity as a national priority among leaders and organizations through campaigns, forums, and policy recommendations.
2. Strengthen cyber resilience: Develop programs that enhance cybersecurity postures across sectors by sharing best practices and research.
3. Protect consumers and businesses: Educate the public on scams, fraud, and cybercrime, while equipping businesses with tools to secure their operations.
4. Capacity building and skills development: Expand the local talent pool through training, certifications, and partnerships with academic institutions.
5. Public-private collaboration: Foster cooperation among government, industry, and academia to craft national cybersecurity strategies.
6. Cybercrime prevention and response: Work with law enforcement and regulators to improve detection, prevention, and response to cyber threats.
Aguda concluded that as the Philippines embraces a digital-first economy, the creation of the Cybersecurity Council of Philippines marks a critical milestone. It signifies a united front combining leadership, collaboration, and decisive action to secure the nation’s cyberspace.
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