IT expert Julius Gorospe has been appointed as the new undersecretary for cybersecurity of the Department of Information and Communications Technology, a move aimed at strengthening the country’s defenses amid growing digital threats.

The appointment was made by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on 30 January. Gorospe, who previously served as special assistant to the DICT secretary for cybersecurity, took his oath of office on 2 February.

As undersecretary, Gorospe will lead the country’s cybersecurity initiatives at a time when government services, businesses, education, and everyday communications are increasingly conducted online.

With extensive international experience, Gorospe has worked in the United States and other countries. He holds advanced degrees in Technology Management from the Wharton School, National Security Administration from the National Defense College of the Philippines, and Computer Science.

Gorospe acknowledged the groundwork laid by his predecessors, noting that current initiatives are aligned with the National Cybersecurity Plan. He said he intends to build on these efforts while accelerating reforms to improve the country’s cybersecurity posture.

“Important work has already been done to out Philippine cybersecurity on the right track. Our task now is to strengthen these foundations and move faster together,” Gorospe said.

Central to his agenda is the Department’s commitment to Digital Bayanihan, the leadership theme advanced by Henry Aguda. The concept promotes a whole-of-nation approach to ICT development and recognizes cybersecurity as a shared responsibility across all sectors.

Gorospe emphasized that strong cybersecurity relies on collective defense and cooperation among government, the private sector, academia, communities, and individual citizens.

“Cybersecurity works best when everone recognizes their role. Awareness of cyber threats helps protect our fellow Filipinos from becoming victims of cybercrime,” he said.

The new undersecretary also underscored the need to build a sustainable cybersecurity ecosystem supported by forward-looking policies and active engagement from industry, technology firms, academic institutions, civil society, and local communities.

He acknowledged the shortage of cybersecurity professionals in the country and called on Filipino experts, both locally and overseas, to contribute to nation-building.

The DICT said it remains committed to fostering a secure, trusted, and inclusive digital environment anchored in shared responsibility, collective action, and the principles of Digital Bayanihan.