Bankers nationwide are expressing strong support for Secretary Henry Aguda to lead the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), stressing the critical need for closer collaboration between the DICT and the banking sector to enhance cybersecurity efforts.

This comes as the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP) lauded Aguda’s credentials, saying that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has voiced confidence in his ability to guide the country toward technological innovation.

“Secretary pAguda’s credentials have earned hefty praise from President Bongbong Marcos, with the President expressing confidence in his ability to steer the country towards technological innovation,” the BAP said in a statement.

The BAP statement also included a quote from Marcos’ social media post.

“Under the leadership of Secretary Aguda, I am confident that the country’s digital transformation will accelerate. We aim for every Filipino to benefit from the opportunities of modern technology," said the President in his post.

Aguda, who was appointed in March 2025 to replace Ivan Uy, brings extensive knowledge of the Philippine banking industry.

He previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Union Digital Bank before his DICT tenure.

His private sector experience also includes board positions with various companies, including City Savings Bank, UBX Philippines, Insular Health Care and Bank Net.

Aguda's appointment was not fully discussed for confirmation during a Commission on Appointments hearing early last week, reportedly due to a lack of time.

It was consequently bypassed when the Commission on Appointments of the 19th Congress adjourned its sessions.

Marcos must now reappoint Aguda as interim secretary for him to continue serving as DICT chief in an acting capacity.

Expressing deep concern over cybersecurity issues, the bankers stated that the “industry’s future initiatives come at a critical point for the Marcos administration, with public policy likely to have a significant impact on Philippine banks.”

The BAP outlined several undertakings for which it seeks closer collaboration with the DICT, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the National Privacy Commission.

These include joint public advisories; the creation of a national scam database to facilitate accountability for cybercriminals; the launch of consumer education campaigns; real-time coordination protocols between the private sector and government agencies; and the standardization of scam typologies.