PH, South Korean ink $25.6-M deal to establish Nat'l Cyber Security Center

The Philippine and South Korean governments formally partnered to establish the National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) to strengthen the Philippines’ cybersecurity landscape.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) signed the Records of Discussion on Monday, April 27. 

The NCSC is the largest KOICA-funded project in Manila with a $25.60 million USD grant. 

“At the heart of the project is the establishment of a National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) that will serve as the country’s central hub for cyber threat monitoring, incident response, and coordinated defense. It will also strengthen information security management across government, enhance crisis response mechanisms, and develop a new generation of highly skilled cybersecurity professionals,” the DICT said in a statement. 

The signing was led by DICT Secretary Henry Aguda and Republic of Korea Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa, together with KOICA Deputy Country Director Lee Hwayeon and KOICA Country Director Youngsun Jung.  

“Cybersecurity is no longer a technical concern alone. It is about protecting the daily lives of our citizens, their data, their transactions, and their confidence in the systems they rely on,” said Aguda. 

“When a partnership begins well, it lays the foundation for a meaningful and successful outcome. We are confident that this initiative will deliver lasting benefits for the Filipino people,” the Korean envoy said. 

In January, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved the National Digital Connectivity Plan (NDCP).  Under the plan, the government assured that digital infrastructures and assets can withstand cybersecurity threats. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA News