The Department of National Defense (DND) held its first Senior Leaders Cyber Awareness Program on 26 June at Camp Aguinaldo as part of efforts to strengthen cyber resilience and improve strategic leadership across the defense sector.

Carrying the theme “Cyber Resilience and Strategic Leadership in the Defense Sector,” the program gathered senior DND officials to discuss the evolving cyber threat landscape and the role of leadership in protecting the country’s defense information systems, critical infrastructure and military operations.

In his opening remarks, Undersecretary for Information Systems and Cybersecurity Fabian M. Pedregosa said cybersecurity has become a leadership issue as the department continues its digital transformation.

“Cybersecurity is no longer a purely technical matter. It is now a strategic leadership concern that directly affects governance, operational continuity, public trust and national security,” Pedregosa said.

The program featured discussions by officials from the Office of the Undersecretary for Information Systems and Cybersecurity, the Office of DND Information Security, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Cyber Command and the AFP Intelligence Service.

The sessions focused on the cyber threat environment, leadership responsibilities in cybersecurity, cyber resilience, continuity of operations and the department’s cyber defense strategy.

Senior Undersecretary and Officer-in-Charge Irineo C. Espino, in his keynote address, said strengthening cybersecurity requires sustained leadership and institutional commitment.

“Our cybersecurity is a strategic priority that requires widespread and complete buy-in throughout our organization and among all our stakeholders,” Espino said.

He also emphasized the need to strengthen the department’s cybersecurity capability through organizational reforms, policy development and improved management systems, urging senior officials to integrate cybersecurity considerations into policy formulation, decision-making and day-to-day operations.

The DND said the program forms part of its continuing efforts to enhance cyber resilience and prepare the defense establishment to address evolving cyber threats.