Teodoro, top gov’t execs to join first major cybersecurity meet in 2024

Defense secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. delivers his speech at the 22nd General Assembly of the Veterans Confederation of ASEAN Countries 2023 (VECONAC 2023) at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in Pasay City on Tuesday, November 28, 2023. INQUIRER.net/Ryan Leagogo

MANILA, Philippines — In line with the government’s aim to bolster cybersecurity efforts, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., along with other key military and government officials, will meet for the first major conference on the matter this year.

The two-day conference organized by international think tank Stratbase Institute along with the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines will be held from Jan. 16 to 17.

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Aside from Teodoro, Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman, along with Armed Forces of the Philippines officials and local chief executives as well as key leaders from the public and private sector are expected to attend the conference.

Dindo Manhit, president of Stratbase Institute noted that the current administration’s National Security Policy Framework 2022-2028 has identified cyber, information, and cognitive security as a national security interest and national security agenda.

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“The public and the private sector must be actively engaged to achieve a digitally transformed and competitive Philippines,” Manhit said in  a statement on Friday. “That is the whole idea behind the conference.”

“A whole-of-Philippine society approach is critical to fully participate in the global digital economy and ensure cyber resilience,” he added.

According to Manhit, the country could also “look towards the cybersecurity strategies of partners such as Canada and tailor such strategies to the needs of the country.”