Cyber Security
Philippines connect and cyber security The newly-formed Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) of the Philippines has been directed to craft a National Broadband Plan (NBP) to further improve the connectivity in the Philippines, with proposed plans for better internet connections and free WiFi. Co-organised by DICT and CommunicAsia 2017, the half-day Philippines Connect seminar on 24th May 2017 at the Singapore Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre addressed the upcoming opportunities and changes for the nation. We sat down with Mr Monchito B. Ibrahim (Undersecretary, DICT, Operations and Management), and Mr Allan Salim Cabanlong (Assistant Secretary, DICT, Cybersecurity and Enabling Technologies) to understand the Cyber Security considerations of these initiatives to achieve the country’s sustainable development goals through information and communication technologies (ICTs).
O By Jane Lo Singapore Correspondent
42 | Australian Security Magazine
pening Philippines Connect at CommunicAsia 2017, Antonio A. Morales, Ambassador of the Philippines to Singapore invited Singapore businessmen to partner with Philippines in pursuing development of innovative, job-generating and inclusive growth in the country before an audience of major technology and information system service executives, professionals and startups. “The continued positive economic performance of the Philippines has renewed the sense of vigor among industries, with emphasis on ensuring ease of doing business and allowing for efficient delivery of government services backed by technological innovations. It is with this commitment that the Duterte administration has directed DICT to develop the National Broadband Plan (NBP), which will serve as a blueprint to accelerate the deployment of fiber optic cables and wireless technologies, and improve the internet speed in the country,” he said. Studies cited in the NBP draft, approved by President Rodrigo Duterte in early March, point out that the Philippines ranked 110 out of 187 countries when it comes
to active fixed broadband subscription; and 89 out of 179 for active mobile subscription. Additional statistics on digital, social and mobile usage further support the call to action in making connectivity available and affordable, which has the benefit of stimulating economic activity. As part of the NBP, The Philippine Government aims to increase broadband take-up and usage through measures such as the promotion of the use and production of local contents and applications; and the introduction of conditional fiscal incentives to broadband users. What the NBP envisions, said His Excellency Ambassador Antonio Morales, is “a resilient, comfortable and vibrant life for all, enabled by open, pervasive, inclusive, affordable and trusted broadband internet access.” However, converting the benefits of digitalization to economic growth and development works only when Cyber Space is safe and secure. The Philippines Republic Act No. 10175 [“An Act Defining CyberCrime, Providing for the Prevention, Investigation, Suppression and the Imposition of Penalties Therefor and For Other Purposes”] states: