DICT steps up efforts to boost Philippines’ global cybersecurity ranking

By TechWatch PH Staff

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is ramping up its initiatives to strengthen the Philippines’ position in the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI), signaling the government’s stronger push toward building secure and reliable digital systems for both citizens and businesses.

Under the helm of DICT Secretary Henry Aguda, the agency is spearheading coordinated efforts with government offices, academic institutions, and private sector stakeholders to move the Philippines into Tier 1 – Role Modeling, the highest recognition in the GCI for nations with advanced cybersecurity infrastructure.

The GCI, developed by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), evaluates countries based on five pillars: legal, technical, organizational, capacity development, and cooperation measures. In the 2024 edition, the Philippines was ranked under Tier 2 – Advancing, scoring 93.49 out of 100, marking significant progress from its earlier standings.

To further this goal, DICT hosted the 2025 GCI Workshop on August 26 at Harolds Hotel in Quezon City. The event gathered representatives from government agencies, state-owned corporations, local government units, and the academic community to share best practices, address challenges, and bolster the country’s evidence base for its GCI submissions.

Led by DICT official Julius Gorospe, the workshop emphasized that multi-sector collaboration is vital to improving the nation’s cybersecurity capacity. Participants compared the Philippines’ performance against its ASEAN counterparts, reviewed documentation requirements, and strategized ways to close gaps in digital security resilience.

The cybersecurity is now a national priority, not just a technical goal. Beyond raising the Philippines’ global ranking, DICT aims to ensure stronger protection for critical data, enable secure digital innovation, and enhance public trust in government systems.

“This assertive approach underscores the Philippines’ preparedness to join global leaders in cybersecurity and demonstrates DICT’s continuous dedication to creating a safer, more competitive, and digitally resilient nation,” DICT said.