Manila:The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) inaugurated the Philippine Cybersecurity Conference 2026, emphasizing the need for unified cross-sector collaboration to bolster the nation's defenses against evolving cyber threats.

According to Philippines News Agency, DICT Secretary Robert Joseph "Jay" de Claro highlighted the importance of sector-wide cooperation to safeguard personal data, critical infrastructure, and essential digital services. He noted that no single agency can manage these responsibilities alone.

The conference, which is part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, is scheduled from October 20 to 22 and is themed "Cyber Balangayan Forging a Resilient Nation Through Cooperation, Capability, and Collective Defense." Organized by the DICT Cybersecurity Bureau, the event aims to enhance cybersecurity capabilities, improve incident response, and foster partnerships to tackle emerging threats.

Participants on the first day included Rep. Brian Poe Llamanzares, Office of the Executive Secretary Undersecretary Facundo Palafox IV, and DICT Undersecretaries Leandro Angelo Aguirre, Christian Mark Guingcangco, and Rodil Aniban. Additionally, representatives from the embassies of Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom, along with the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Korea International Cooperation Agency, were also present.

Secretary de Claro urged all stakeholders to collaborate in addressing cybersecurity challenges, using the metaphor of moving together as one "balangay" (plank boat). The DICT remains committed to enhancing the nation's cybersecurity capabilities and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to create a safer, more secure, and resilient digital Philippines.