Marcos issues EO adopting 5-year national cybersecurity plan

MANILA, Philippines — To strengthen the security and resilience of the country’s cyberspace, President Marcos has issued an order adopting the five-year National Cybersecurity Plan (NCSP) of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

Executive Order 58, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on April 4, adopted the NCSP 2023-2028 as the “whole-of-nation roadmap” for the integrated development and strategic direction of the country’s cybersecurity.

In a two-page EO, Marcos said that strengthening the security and resilience of the Philippine cyberspace is one of the key strategies to ensure safety and security in cyber and physical spaces under the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.

Under Section 15 of Republic Act 10844, or the DICT Act of 2015, the department has formulated the NCSP 2023-2028, which outlines the country’s policy direction and provides operational guidelines towards a trusted, secured and resilient cyberspace for every Filipino.

EO 58 directs all concerned national government agencies, instrumentalities and local government units to support and cooperate towards the successful implementation of the NCSP 2023-2028; while the DICT is ordered to adopt a system for the effective implementation, monitoring and review of the plan.

The DICT, in coordination with the private sector, shall provide technical assistance to other government agencies and offices relative to the implementation of the NCSP 2023-2028, as may be necessary, the order read.
The DICT is also directed to submit to the President a bi-annual report on the status and progress of the implementation of the NCSP 2023-2028 through the Office of the Executive Secretary and the National Cybersecurity Inter-Agency Committee.
EO 58 take effects immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette, or a newspaper of general circulation.
Last month, Marcos called on the Army to bolster its cybersecurity capabilities and keep up with rapid technological advancements amid “emerging threats” to the country’s stability and sovereignty.

He has also directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to make use of technology to protect the people while upholding their rights as cases of cybercrime continue to increase.

“Let us leverage on technology that aids protecting and serving our people. Especially in battling, for example, the latest threat that we have is cybercrime,” the Chief Executive said in his remarks during the oath-taking of newly promoted PNP officials at Malacañang last month.