Living in the digital age, where typing on a keyboard is as powerful as writing with a pen, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s recent Executive Order (EO) adopting a National Cybersecurity Plan (NCSP) has garnered approval and appreciation in Metro Manila.
With the adoption of the NCSP 2023-2028, crafted by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Filipinos are applauding this significant step towards fortifying the country's cyber defenses.
The NCSP, a plan to protect the Philippines from cyber threats, has been praised by citizens, experts, and government workers. Its implementation shows a dedication to securing the country's digital systems and making them stronger against cyberattacks.
Its implementation signals a commitment to securing the nation's digital infrastructure and bolstering its resilience against evolving cyber challenges.
"Yup, helpful siya kung talagang maaalis nila ang mga accounts ng manlolokong buyers at sellers din. Dami kasing mga bogus buyers talaga at ang mahirap dun ma ban man ang isang account nila, nakakagawa pa rin ng panibago," shares Johanna Cama, a mother and part-time online seller in Caloocan City.
(It's helpful if they can really remove the accounts of deceptive buyers and sellers. There are really a lot of bogus buyers, and what's difficult is that even if their account gets banned, they can still create a new one.)
President Marcos' order to include the NCSP in government policies and programs has been praised as a proactive step against cyber threats. This move aims to protect important sectors like finance, healthcare, and national security from potential attacks.
"This is a game-changer for us," remarks a government IT security specialist, Noel Macapagat.
"National Cybersecurity Plan 2023-2028 serves as our core framework in transforming our conventional processes to digital. If we talk about digital transformation, hindi natin hini-hiwalay ang cybersecurity. We need to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our information systems and data in it. Once your network connects to the World Wide Web, you open the risk of cyber threat at various levels. With that, NCSP will help us guide and streamline our digitization efforts and interoperability within the government while ensuring security of critical information infrastructure and protection of stakeholders, especially the Filipino people."
(National Cybersecurity Plan 2023-2028 serves as our core framework in transforming our conventional processes into digital ones. When we talk about digital transformation, we do not separate cybersecurity from it. We need to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our information systems and the data within them. Once your network is connected to the World Wide Web, you expose yourself to the risk of cyber threats at various levels. With that in mind, the NCSP will help guide and streamline our digitization efforts and interoperability within the government, all while ensuring the security of critical information infrastructure and the protection of stakeholders, especially the Filipino people.)
The NCSP outlines a roadmap for developing cybersecurity capabilities, enhancing incident response mechanisms, and fostering cybersecurity awareness among citizens. Its holistic and whole-of-nation approach, focusing on prevention, detection, and response, resonates with many who see the need for a multi-faceted defense strategy in cyberspace.
For Content Enrichment Specialist in a BPO company in Pasig, Lester Naguna says "I think na this is a positive progress towards a better security for government sites. Minsan po kasi, naha-hack mga social media sites or even website ng government. Either that or may problems po lagi yung sites to the point na kahit online dapat yung registration or process, mapa papunta ka sa branch to fix things. And as a Filipino po, much better news since past time ng mga Pinoy ang social media and madami nakaka encounter ng security problems related to scams and so on.”
(I think that this is a positive progress towards better security for government sites. Sometimes, social media sites or even government websites get hacked. Either that or the sites always have problems to the point that even though registration or processes should be done online, you end up having to go to a branch to fix things. And as a Filipino, this is much better news since social media has been a pastime of many Pinoys, and a lot have encountered security problems related to scams and so on.)
The positive feedback from various sectors highlights a unified sentiment of optimism towards a safer and more secure digital landscape for the country. From small businesses to large corporations, the recognition of cybersecurity as a cornerstone of national resilience is evident.
President Marcos’ bold step towards embracing cybersecurity is not just a policy decision—it's a commitment to safeguarding the future of the nation in an increasingly interconnected world.
With the NCSP now at the forefront of national cybersecurity efforts, Filipinos are looking ahead with renewed confidence, knowing that their digital assets and privacy are under the watchful eye of a dedicated and proactive administration. (AVS/PIA-NCR)
