Stratbase Institute and Canadian Embassy to host Philippines’ first cybersecurity conference
The Stratbase Institute, an international think tank, has partnered with the Canadian Embassy to the Philippines to organize the country’s inaugural major cybersecurity conference in Makati City on Jan. 16 to 17.
The two-day event, titled “Fortifying Cyber Cooperation Towards Digital Security”, will be graced by esteemed guest speakers including National Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, and Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman. Moreover, the conference will also feature officials, experts, and stakeholders from various sectors such as government, private industry, academia, and civil society groups.
The primary goal of the conference is to leverage a “whole-of-society” approach to fortify the Philippines’ economic and national defense systems against cyberattacks.
Stratbase Institute President Professor Dindo Manhit explained, “The Philippines is expected to continue its pursuit of digital transformation with a focus on promoting inclusive economic growth and safeguarding cyberspace. But it takes a whole-of-society to do this. The public and the private sector must be actively engaged to achieve a digitally transformed and competitive Philippines. That is the whole idea behind the conference.”
The first day of the conference will cover the current cybersecurity landscape, addressing policies, strategies, cybercrimes, and disinformation. The second day will focus on international cooperation and recommendations for cyber resiliency and digital security.
Manhit emphasized the importance of investing in people and processes, in addition to technology, to ensure cyber resilience. He also highlighted the significance of engaging in partnerships at bilateral, minilateral, and multilateral levels to create a secure cyber domain for the Philippines.
With the support of the Canadian Embassy, the conference aims to further the Philippines’ national interest and accelerate systemic digital transformation in 2024.
