“CyberBayan is not just about protecting systems — it’s about protecting people,” Samuel V. Jacoba, founding president of NADPOP and SDLC said.
In a major move to strengthen the Philippines’ digital defense, several leading organizations have joined forces to launch CyberBayan, a nationwide initiative aimed at boosting the country’s cybersecurity capabilities and developing a robust cybersecurity workforce.
The collaboration brings together the National Association of Data Protection Officers of the Philippines (NADPOP), the Philippine Computer Emergency Response Team (PH-CERT), the Secure Digital Life Center (SDLC), Tools for Humanity, and World Network.
Together, these organizations are championing a “Whole-of-Society, Whole-of-Nation” approach to building a more cyber-resilient nation.
A call for urgency
Samuel V. Jacoba, founding president of NADPOP and SDLC, emphasized the critical importance of the initiative.
“We cannot afford to take digital security lightly,” Jacoba said. “Every Filipino deserves to be protected online, and this initiative is a major step forward in building a cyber-resilient society. By working together, we can empower individuals, businesses, and government agencies to stay ahead of cyber threats.”
Jacoba warned that without immediate action, the country risks facing increasingly complex cyberattacks — from online scams and identity theft to institutional-scale breaches.
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A united front
Lito Avera, founding president of PH-CERT and chairperson of SDLC, echoed the need for unified efforts.
“Cybersecurity isn’t just a technical issue — it’s a national priority. This collaboration is about securing the entire digital ecosystem of the Philippines, so that businesses, communities, and individuals can thrive without fear of cyber threats.”
Launched in April 2025, CyberBayan’s primary goal is to train at least 180,000 cybersecurity professionals by 2030, with a long-term ambition of cultivating 1.44 million skilled workers.
These professionals will help defend the country against digital threats such as disinformation, cyber scams, identity theft, and large-scale attacks.
The initiative will roll out pilot online training programs covering: Cybersecurity and Data Privacy; Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC); ICT Fundamentals; AI Governance and Digital Transformation (DX); Personal Cyber Mastery (including Ethics and Integrity); and CyberMBA (Know Your Business)
Jacoba also noted the ongoing pilot engagement with one of the country’s top Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) institutions, in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
Supporting MSMEs and promoting awareness
While workforce training is central, CyberBayan also aims to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in strengthening their cybersecurity posture. The initiative will combine technical education with nationwide public awareness campaigns to promote cybersecurity best practices and online safety for all Filipinos.
This aligns with the broader goals of the government’s National Cybersecurity Plan (NCSP) 2023–2028, which calls for collaborative efforts to improve the country’s digital resilience.
A wake-up call
In a related development, global data solutions provider Synology Inc. highlighted the persistent cybersecurity gaps among Philippine enterprises.
Thachawan Chinchanakarn, Regional Sales Manager for Synology, noted that while businesses recognize the importance of cybersecurity, many still lack the resources, awareness, and infrastructure to implement effective solutions.
“Companies struggle with incident response and often rely on outdated systems. This makes them vulnerable to modern threats. There is a growing need for accessible and comprehensive data protection strategies,” she said.
Chinchanakarn emphasized that countries like the Philippines must address low cybersecurity awareness, limited IT budgets, and lack of expertise to catch up with rapidly evolving threats. She believes efficient and easy-to-implement solutions — like Synology’s all-in-one data protection systems — can help close the gap.
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Building toward a secure digital future
With an expected $300 million investment in digital human capital, the CyberBayan initiative sets the stage for the Philippines to emerge as a global player in cybersecurity. By combining education, advocacy, and partnerships across public and private sectors, CyberBayan is positioning the nation to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
“CyberBayan is not just about protecting systems — it’s about protecting people,” Jacoba said. “We are building the future of cybersecurity in the Philippines, one skilled professional at a time.”
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