Manila: A new National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) is expected to enhance the country's cyber defense capabilities, modernize security infrastructure, and develop a supporting workforce during its groundbreaking in Valenzuela City on Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda announced that the NCSC will be the first cybersecurity infrastructure to be wholly owned by the government. This marks a significant shift from the two similar infrastructures in Quezon City that the agency currently leases. Aguda emphasized the strategic advantage of Valenzuela's information and communications technology academy, which will ensure a steady supply of skilled professionals for the NCSC.

Construction for the project is also being expedited, with hopes to complete it by 2028. Aguda expressed optimism about the timeline, noting the groundbreaking as a promising first step. The NCSC will be fully funded by a USD25 million grant from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

Aguda extended his gratitude to the Republic of Korea (ROK), the ROK Embassy in Manila, KOICA, and Converge CEO Dennis Uy, who played a crucial role in securing the grant. Uy, who served as a Special Envoy to the ROK, was instrumental in advocating for the construction of the NCSC over the past couple of years.

During the event, ROK Ambassador to the Philippines H. E. Lee Sang-Hwa highlighted the NCSC as the "largest single project ever implemented" by KOICA in the Philippines. The grant is seen as a significant follow-up to President Lee Jae Myung's state visit to the Philippines in March, where future cooperation on artificial intelligence (AI) and technology was discussed with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Ambassador Lee emphasized that the NCSC represents a substantial step towards fulfilling commitments made by the ROK to the Philippines, reinforcing bilateral ties and the shared vision for technological collaboration.