DICT launches proactive programs to secure digital infrastructure

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on Sunday launched three cybersecurity initiatives aimed at shifting the government’s approach from reactive incident response to preventive measures.

The programs — the Bug Bounty Program, the DICT Trusted Assessment Provider (D-TAP) framework, and the Cybersecurity Posture Assessment Laboratory (CPAL) — are designed to identify and address vulnerabilities in government systems before they can be exploited.

DICT Undersecretary Julius Gorospe said the initiatives are intended to move beyond simply recognizing threats toward taking structured measures to reduce risks.

The Bug Bounty Program allows ethical hackers to report security weaknesses in government systems, including public portals and digital services used by millions of Filipinos.

Through D-TAP, the DICT accredits cybersecurity firms to conduct assessments and audits, ensuring that government platforms and critical infrastructure comply with technical and ethical standards.

The CPAL provides structured evaluations of cybersecurity posture, helping agencies identify weaknesses and improve defenses before potential cyberattacks.

“Cybersecurity requires coordination and preventive measures,” Gorospe said. “These programs provide tools to detect vulnerabilities early and strengthen government systems.”

DICT officials noted that as digital services expand, building a resilient cybersecurity framework is essential for public trust and national digital infrastructure.