MANILA, Philippines — Philippine and United States officials discussed cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and defense-related technology cooperation on Friday, as Manila pushes to modernize its military capabilities and strengthen cyber defenses.
The Department of National Defense (DND) said Undersecretary for Information Systems and Cybersecurity Fabian Pedregosa met with William Guidera, acting assistant secretary for industry and analysis at the US Department of Commerce, at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
According to the DND, the meeting focused on cybersecurity, trusted technologies, digital infrastructure and defense modernization initiatives, including efforts related to command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance, or C4ISTAR.
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Pedregosa cited ongoing initiatives within the defense sector, including the establishment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Cyber Command and the creation of the Office of the Undersecretary for Information Systems and Cybersecurity.
The DND said the initiatives aim to strengthen cyber resilience and expand the use of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity response, threat intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and decision-making.
The two sides also discussed possible cooperation on trusted technology ecosystems, digital transformation, secure digital infrastructure and technology capability-building.
The US delegation outlined Washington’s priorities on trusted AI partnerships and technology cooperation and reaffirmed the importance of the Philippines-US alliance in developing secure and resilient technology systems, the DND said.
Officials also tackled workforce development, industry engagement and continued collaboration with US government agencies and industry stakeholders in support of the Philippines’ modernization efforts.
The meeting comes as the Philippines continues to expand defense and security cooperation with the United States amid growing regional security and cybersecurity concerns. /das