By Ashley Erika O. Jose, Reporter
Experts in technology and cybersecurity are suggesting that the next Secretary of Information and Communications Technology should prioritize establishing a unified national cyber defense center and expanding digital infrastructure.
“The new Secretary should support the national development goals of the government, particularly in digital transformation, economic growth, and national security,” said Samuel V. Jacoba, founding president of the National Association of Data Protection Officers.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. recently accepted the resignation of former Secretary Ivan John E. Uy from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). During his tenure, Mr. Uy implemented initiatives such as the SIM Card Registration Act and the expansion of the Free Public Internet Access Program.
While the reason for Mr. Uy’s resignation on March 6 has not been disclosed, the DICT assured the public that there will be no disruption in its services during the leadership transition.
Moving forward, experts like Ronald B. Gustilo and Terry L. Ridon emphasized the importance of focusing on cybersecurity, data privacy, digital infrastructure improvement, and artificial intelligence in the next Secretary’s agenda.
With cybersecurity incidents causing significant losses to Philippine organizations and the country facing threats of cyber attacks, experts believe that a national cyber defense center is crucial for rapid response and cyber resilience.
Overall, the priorities of cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and e-governance are seen as essential for national security, economic growth, and government modernization in line with the administration’s push for digital transformation.