Strengthening the Nation’s Cyber Defenses: Why Collaboration Can’t Wait

The call for stronger cybersecurity in the Philippines has never been more urgent. With the country’s growing reliance on e-commerce, digital payments, and social media, threat actors are finding more opportunities to exploit weaknesses across public and private systems. Recognizing this, key leaders from both sectors gathered at the second installment of BusinessWorld Insights’ Cybersecurity Series to address one crucial question: How can the nation work together to defend its digital future?

Held on October 22 at Dusit Thani Manila, the forum titled “Legislative Frontlines: The Philippines’ Policy Space for Cybersecurity” brought together industry experts, policymakers, and technology leaders to discuss the gaps in cybersecurity legislation and the importance of stronger public-private partnerships. BusinessWorld Vice-President for Sales and Marketing Jay R. Sarmiento opened the event with a call to identify policy inconsistencies and propose harmonized frameworks that would enable a more unified cyber defense strategy.

The discussions that followed revealed one consistent theme: collaboration is the backbone of resilience. Experts agreed that better coordination, information sharing, and joint investments in technology are essential to address today’s evolving cyber threats. Fortinet’s Napoleon Castillo underscored the need for mechanisms that allow faster, more effective data exchange between government and private entities an approach that could strengthen national threat intelligence capabilities. Meanwhile, Gogolook’s General Mel Migriño emphasized how responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) can empower organizations to predict and prevent scams more efficiently.

Panelists also highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between strategic planning and on-the-ground implementation. While national cybersecurity frameworks like the National Cybersecurity Plan 2023–2028 offer a solid foundation, experts such as Theos Cyber Solution CEO Paul Jackson pointed out that execution remains the real challenge. As he noted, improving frontline readiness and operational compliance will determine whether these plans can truly protect citizens and institutions.

The second panel shifted focus to readiness and regulation particularly how companies can protect critical infrastructure while maintaining accountability. Leaders from Huawei, GCash, and Meralco echoed the need for proactive defense and balanced innovation, recognizing that the next major cyberattack could disrupt not just businesses, but national operations.

This national dialogue underscores that cybersecurity is not just a technical challenge it’s a collective responsibility. Beyond laws and tools, building a safer digital Philippines will require sincerity, empathy, and shared accountability among all stakeholders.

As organizations navigate this evolving threat landscape, many are turning to trusted Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) like Directpath Global Technologies Inc. (DGT) for specialized protection. DGT delivers tailored cybersecurity solutions including Mobile Threat Defense (MTD), Extended Detection and Response (XDR), Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT), SOC 2 compliance, Vulnerability Risk Management as a Service (VRMaaS), Web Application Firewall (WAF), and vCISO support. Its advanced Artificial Intelligence Division further enhances these services, helping organizations predict, prevent, and respond to cyber risks with precision.

As the nation strengthens its cybersecurity agenda, collaboration powered by innovation and trust remains the best defense against the threats of tomorrow.

Source: Business World