by Alice Sicat, Assistant Regional Drector at PIA-NCR
We are now living in the digital age where typing on a keyboard has since become as powerful as writing with a pen.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent Executive Order (EO) adopting a National Cybersecurity Plan (NCSP) has since garnered approval and appreciation in Metro Manila.
With the adoption of the NCSP 2023-2028, crafted by the Department of Information & Communications Technology (DICT), Filipinos are now applauding this significant step towards fortifying the country’s cyber defenses.
The NCSP, which is a plan to protect the Philippines from cyber threats, has been praised by citizens, experts, and government workers. Its implementation shows a dedication to securing the country’s digital systems and making them stronger against cyberattacks.
Its implementation signals a commitment to securing the nation’s digital infrastructure and bolstering its resilience against evolving cyber challenges.
“Yup, helpful siya kung talagang maaalis nila ang mga accounts ng manlolokong buyers at sellers din. Andami kasing mga bogus na buyers talaga at ang mahirap dun, ma-ban man ang isang account nila, nakakagawa pa rin sila ng panibago,” shares Johanna Cama, a mother of 2 and part-time online seller in Caloocan City.
President Marcos’ order to include the NCSP in government policies and programs has been praised as a proactive step against cyber threats. This move aims to protect important sectors like finance, healthcare, and national security from potential attacks.
“This is a game-changer for us,” remarks Noel Macapagat, a government IT security specialist.
“The National Cybersecurity Plan 2023-2028 serves as our core framework in transforming our conventional processes into digital ones. When we talk about digital transformation, we do not separate cybersecurity from it. We need to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our information systems and the data within them,” Noel explains.
“Once your network is connected to the World Wide Web, you expose yourself to the risk of cyber threats at various levels. With that in mind, the NCSP will help guide and streamline our digitization efforts and interoperability within the government, all while ensuring the security of critical information infrastructure and the protection of stakeholders, especially the Filipino people,” he added.
The NCSP outlines a roadmap for developing cybersecurity capabilities, enhancing incident response mechanisms, and fostering cybersecurity awareness among citizens. Its holistic and whole-of-nation approach, focusing on prevention, detection, and response, resonates with many who see the need for a multi-faceted defense strategy in cyberspace.
For his part, Lester Naguna, Content Enrichment Specialist at a BPO company in Pasig, says, “I think this is positive progress towards better security for government sites. Minsan po kasi, naha-hack mga social media sites or even website ng government. Either that or may problems po lagi yung sites to the point na kahit online dapat yung registration or process, mapa papunta ka sa branch to fix things. And as a Filipino po, much better news since past time ng mga Pinoy ang social media and madami nakaka-encounter ng security problems related to scams and so on.”
(I think this is positive progress towards better security for government sites. Sometimes, social media sites or even government websites get hacked. Either that or the sites always have problems to the point that even though registration or processes should be done online. You almost always end up having to go to a branch to fix things. As a Filipino, this is much better news since social media has been a pastime of many Filipinos, and many have encountered security problems related to scams, and so on.)
The positive feedback from various sectors highlights a unified sentiment of optimism towards a safer and more secure digital landscape for the country.
From small businesses to large corporations, the recognition of cybersecurity as a cornerstone of national resilience is evident.
President Marcos’ bold step towards embracing cybersecurity is not just a policy decision—it’s a commitment to safeguarding the nation’s future in an increasingly interconnected world.
With the NCSP now at the forefront of national cybersecurity efforts, Filipinos are looking ahead with renewed confidence, knowing that their digital assets and privacy are (now) under the watchful eye of a dedicated and (more) proactive administration.