DFA Hosts Forum to Strengthen Cyber-Security in Local Government

Office of American Affairs Assistant Secretary Maria Lumen B. Isleta (fifth from left) with members of the panel on “Cybersecurity in Local Government Units” discussion (from left) Atty. Francis Acero of the National Privacy Commission, Mario Oblefias of City of Manila, General Benito De Leon (ret.) of Davao City, National Economic and Development Authority Assistant Secretary Roderick Planta, Peter Gomez of FBI U.S. Embassy, Nigel Villarete of Cebu City and a representative from Booz Allen Hamilton. (DFA photo)

MANILA 29 October 2018 — To generate awareness among the local government units (LGU’s) on cybersecurity risks and the steps necessary to prevent and mitigate these risks, a forum on cybersecurity in local government units (LGUs) was held at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on 18 October 2018.

The DFA-Office of American Affairs and the U.S. Embassy organized the forum with the officials from Manila, Cebu and Davao, which have been nominated to the ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN) initiative. The cities also presented their respective flagship projects on digital infrastructure.

Also in attendance were officials from the cities of Antipolo, Bacoor, Balanga, Batangas, Dasmariñas, Makati, Mandaluyong, Parañaque, Quezon, Taguig and Valenzuela.

In her welcome remarks, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for American Affairs Maria Lumen B. Isleta noted that local governments are increasingly utilizing technology for their development programs.

“Policy makers and project implementors need to be cognizant of its attendant cyber-security concerns” she said.

U.S. Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission John Law highlighted the importance of public-private partnership in addressing cyber-security concerns.  

National Economic and Development Authority Assistant Secretary Roderick Planta presented an overview of the ASCN, while representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Booze Allen Hamilton, a private firm invited by the US Embassy, discussed cybersecurity issues that local government units (LGUs) may encounter as they implement their respective smart city projects.

Following the presentations, an open forum moderated by National Privacy Commission Chief of Complaints and Investigation Division Atty. Francis Acero further discussed cybersecurity issues relevant to LGUs as well as the national government.

Around 80 representatives from LGUs, national government agencies and the private sector attended the forum. It was also an opportunity for them to network and exchange ideas regarding their respective programs and services.

The forum was undertaken as part of the Joint Cyber-Security Working Group (JCSWG) meeting, composed of public and private sector representatives with the objective of promoting intelligence sharing and policy development in addressing cyber-security concerns. END

US Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Peter Gomez discussing the ways to mitigate cybersecurity risks in the LGUs. (DFA photo)