Department of Information and Communications Technology

📢📢ATTENTION📢📢 The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), through the National ICT Planning, Policy and Standards Bureau (NIPPSB), has drafted a Department Circular on the Adoption of Minimum Information Security Standards and Certification for Public Telecommunications Entities. This is in compliance with Republic Act No. 11659 (Public Service Act Amendment) and aims to strengthen information security across the telecommunications sector. Copy of the draft policy may be accessed using the link: bit.ly/3YkTJDA The DICT seeks feedback on the draft policy to ensure its relevance and alignment with industry standards. Stakeholders from the telecom industry, consumer organizations, and government agencies are requested to submit their inputs by 22 October 2024. Please submit your comments using the template found in the link: bit.ly/3YplHhz Thank you for your continued support!

𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭 𝐆𝐆 𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐆𝐨𝐯 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 Manila, Philippines – Team Unit GG from New Era University seized the title of National Champion at the HackforGov: Cyber Challenge Competition held on 4 October 2024 at the Sequoia Hotel Manila Bay, Parañaque City. As one of the highlights of the National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the event aimed to foster awareness and encouraged students to actively engage in combating cybersecurity threats. The winning team composed of Andrew Felix Cunanan, Aldwin John Tapican, Mark Owen Ramos, and Marjolo Mabuti, bested 19 other elite teams across the country and displayed unparalleled skills in problem-solving, and resilience through six hours of rigorous cybersecurity challenges. They will represent the Philippines in the upcoming ASEAN-Japan Cybersecurity Capacity Building Centre (AJCCBC) Cyber Sea Games, which will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, from October 24-25, 2024. The first runner-up title was bagged by Team shellShoc:ked(), a wildcard team representing NCR and Regions 3, 5, and 7. Team Cyb3rKn1ght$ from Ateneo de Davao University and representing Region 11, was hailed second runner-up. Now on its third year, the Hack4Gov 2024 had the theme, “Today’s Generation, Tomorrow’s Champion: Shaping the Future of Cybersecurity through Shared Responsibility”, underscoring the government's commitment to fostering a secure digital environment. The competition employed a capture-the-flag (CTF) format, immersing participants in realistic cybersecurity scenarios. Competitors sought out hidden “flags” within intentionally vulnerable systems, simulating the challenges cybersecurity professionals face in the real world. These challenges spanned critical areas such as forensics, cryptography, steganography, and web security, among others. Aside from instilling collaboration and inclusivity, the competition empowers participants to not only safeguard their own digital lives but also to contribute to the broader cybersecurity landscape. As we close the chapter on HackForGov3 2024, we celebrate not only the winners but all participants who pushed the boundaries of cybersecurity innovation. Tiwala, Cyber Handa, Cyber Tatag – these are the guiding principles that will continue to shape the nation’s cybersecurity landscape for years to come. #

Congratulations to Secretary Ivan John Uy for being honored as an Outstanding Public Servant by the Rotary Club of Santa Rosa and the Organization of Data Privacy Professionals! This esteemed recognition underscores Secretary Uy's relentless dedication to steering the nation’s digital transformation while prioritizing data privacy and cybersecurity. Under his leadership, DICT continues to enhance the country's cybersecurity efforts while upholding the privacy rights of every Filipino. Congratulations, Sec. Uy, from your DICT family!

At the 8th Session of the Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway Steering Committee (APIS-SC-8) in South Korea, DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to closing the digital divide through inclusive policies that empower every Filipino. In his speech delivered today, 25 September 2024, the country’s ICT Chief called on member states to take decisive steps in enhancing regional connectivity, a central goal of the APIS Action Plan 2022-2026, positioning the Asia-Pacific as a global leader in digital transformation. Organized by ESCAP and hosted by the Korean Federation of Community Credit Cooperatives (KFCC), APIS-SC-8 focused on reviewing progress and discussing the 2024-2025 work plan, further solidifying the region’s dedication to digital cooperation and inclusion. The session also emphasized the crucial role of digital innovation and multilateral cooperation in building resilient, people-centered economies across the Asia-Pacific region. #DICT #APIS-SC-8 #BayangDigital

As a key speaker at the inaugural Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) IT Conference, DICT Secretary Ivan John E. Uy shared the Government Digital Transformation agenda and highlighted Department in pushing modernization of traditional services in government agencies through ICT-enabled platforms, ensuring interoperability across Government-to-Government (G2G), Government-to-Business (G2B), Government-to-Citizen (G2C), and Government-to-Employee (G2E) interactions, while fostering the development of smart and sustainable cities. Led by DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, the DOLE IT Conference from September 11 to 13, 2024 highlights the Labor Department’s commitment to embracing digital transformation, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Under the theme “DOLE sa Bagong Pilipinas: Pusong Digital, Serbisyong Marangal,” the conference served as a platform to discuss strategies for addressing the rapidly evolving needs of the workforce, in line with DOLE’s vision of a future-ready, tech-enabled Philippines.

Last September 3, DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy discussed the importance of national ID systems and digital payments as key pillars of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in the Indo-Pacific in a panel at the Sydney Dialogue. He highlighted the importance of building robust and resilient infrastructure and emphasized the need for strong cybersecurity measures, especially for new digital entrants. Secretary Uy also addressed the unique connectivity challenges in the Philippines and the role of technologies like LEO satellites in extending digital services to remote areas. #DICT🇵🇭 #TheSydneyDialogue #BayangDigital

ADVISORY REGARDING UNVERIFIED INDEPENDENT TOWER COMPANIES The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has received information that several unverified Independent Tower Companies (ITCs) are requesting information and/or proposing to purchase properties as sites for cellular towers, introducing themselves as the 3rd Telecommunity Tower provider in the Philippines. The DICT informs the public that said companies are in no way connected to this office nor said actions are sanctioned by the Philippine government. The general public is advised to exercise extreme caution and due diligence when handing sensitive information to unverified and unauthorized ITC entities. An investigation regarding this incident has been ordered and is being conducted as of this date. For verification and queries, you may access the list of registered ITs at https://lnkd.in/g_WV8Gkg. You may also contact the DICT through email at information@dict.gov.ph or through telephone at (02) 8920- 0101 (local 1004).

Congratulations to DICT Assistant Secretary Maria Teresa M. Camba for being honored with the prestigious Presidential Gawad Career Executive Service (CES) Award! Assistant Secretary Camba, who leads the DICT's Regional Development, was awarded as a 2021 awardee of the Presidential Gawad CES by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at Malacañan Palace on August 5, 2024. The Gawad CES recognizes CES members for exemplary performance and significant contributions in innovation, ICT, social services, administrative reforms, and public policy. The DICT family is proud of your achievement, Asec. Camba!

READ: DICT Statement Regarding Global Cyber Outage Reports The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), through the Cybersecurity Bureau and the National Computer Emergency Response Team, is vigilantly monitoring the ongoing software outage allegedly caused by a faulty update of a cybersecurity provider. This outage is affecting companies globally, including those in the Philippines, that use the said cybersecurity product. We assure the public that the Department does not use the same cybersecurity service provider and that no DICT systems or assets have been affected. We are in continuous communication with relevant stakeholders to obtain detailed information and assess the full impact of this incident. By: RENATO A. PARAISO Assistant Secretary for Legal Affairs DICT Spokesperson pio@dict.gov.ph

𝐁𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐨'𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐃𝐈𝐂𝐓’𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐈𝐂𝐓 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒: “𝐖𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐘𝐨𝐮" Kablaaw, Baguio City! The "Bayang Digital Ang Bagong Pilipinas" DICT Regional Roadshow 2024 had its fourth stop in the vibrant Summer Capital of the Philippines from June 20 to 21, 2024. DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, and Congressman Marquez Go led the opening ceremony, with enthusiastic participation from residents from the six provinces of the Cordillera Administrative Region. The event aimed to bring DICT programs and services closer to the community. Mayor Magalong highlighted the city's strong partnership with DICT, emphasizing the collective vision of a truly digital nation. He added that under the leadership of Secretary Uy, DICT's presence in Baguio has become more pronounced and felt by the city residents. "I remember talking to your ICT team here in Baguio, about two and a half years ago. I was very direct and I gave a very short message to them, 'I cannot feel you.' After two and a half years, Mr. Secretary, I’m glad to say and proud to say that you are overwhelming us. We can now feel you," Mayor Magalong said. Congressman Go expressed gratitude for the roadshow's arrival in Baguio, a hub for education, commerce, and livelihood, and pledged support for DICT's digitization efforts. "Let me express my support to DICT by ensuring that they become successful in their effort to digitize our country," Representative Go said. Secretary Uy underscored the roadshow's goal of making DICT's initiatives accessible, showcasing advancements in eGovernance, connectivity, and upskilling. "The DICT Regional Roadshow underscores our dedication to making our programs accessible to our stakeholders. We aim for our fellow citizens to recognize that DICT's projects and initiatives are woven into their everyday experiences," Secretary Uy said. The launch of the CAR Wireless Network Project was a significant highlight of the event, aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and bridging the digital divide. The event included a town hall meeting led by Secretary Uy and other DICT officials, addressing future plans and regional concerns. Breakout sessions covered topics like AI, cybersecurity, eGovernment, and data privacy, making the two-day event informative and engaging.