During the 40th Alumni Council Meeting held on November 12, members of the University of the Philippines Alumni Association advocated for the establishment of a UP Cybersecurity Center. This proposed center aims to serve as a leading institution for cybersecurity education, research, and innovation in the Philippines. The meeting convened at Ang Bahay ng Alumni in UP Diliman, where representatives from various alumni chapters emphasized the significance of enhancing cybersecurity education and workforce readiness in the nation.
Meeting Focus and Theme
The assembly focused on the theme “Securing Our Future: Advancing Cybersecurity Education and Talent Development in the Philippines,” bringing attention to the current gaps in cybersecurity education. A resolution was introduced, encouraging the university to initiate the establishment of the UP Cybersecurity Center, which is intended to play a crucial role in improving the nation’s cybersecurity framework.
Leadership Insights
Robert Lester Aranton, President of the UP Alumni Association, highlighted the university’s leadership role in addressing national cybersecurity concerns. He emphasized that protecting the digital environment necessitates not just technical strategies but also the development of future cybersecurity professionals to safeguard the country’s digital infrastructure.
Support from Government Representatives
Government representatives, including Undersecretary Leonardo Roy Cervantes, delivered supportive remarks on behalf of Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, acknowledging the proposed center’s potential to shape national policy and cultivate a new generation of cybersecurity experts.
Proposal and Collaboration Plans
Additionally, Atty. Raul Reyes, legal counsel for the UP Alumni Association and chair of the Resolutions Committee, elaborated on the proposal and the anticipated collaboration with private sector entities. UP President Angelo Jimenez reiterated the university’s dedication to advancing cybersecurity education and expressed a willingness to pursue the center’s establishment, aiming to reinforce UP’s contribution to building a comprehensive cybersecurity framework in the Philippines.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The meeting concluded with a call to action, urging the development of concrete plans to implement the initiatives associated with the UP Cybersecurity Center, positioning it as a foundational element in enhancing the nation’s cybersecurity capabilities.
Source: University of the Philippines Alumni Association.
