The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and Google Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. and Coursera are undertaking a joint initiative to equip Filipinos with in-demand skills.
The Google Career Certificate Program (GCCP) aims to equip individuals with critical ICT skills in cybersecurity, data analytics, IT support and project management, addressing the growing local and foreign demand for ICT professionals.
The GCCP also introduced Google AI Essentials—a course designed to enhance productivity through the effective use of generative Artificial Intelligence tools.
DICT assistant secretary for consumer protection Wilroy Ticzon said the program aligned with the nation’s cybersecurity goals and the broader impact of enhancing digital workforce competencies.
The GCCP initially targets unemployed individuals, university students, disadvantaged groups, MSME employees, and government workers.
This breakthrough launch is a big step towards realizing the administration’s goal of a cyber-secured Philippines.
Sustaining a talent pipeline of digitally empowered and future-proof professionals will solidify the Philippines’ position as an emerging global cybersecurity leader, as shown in the country’s improved standing at the 2024 United Nations Global Cybersecurity Index.
The Philippines’ ranking in UN’s Global Cybersecurity Index climbed to 53rd in 2024 from 61st in 2020.
The country has significantly improved its cybersecurity standing, achieving a score of 93.49 this year, a substantial increase from 77 points in 2022.
This progress places the country just 1.51 points away from joining Tier 1 in the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI), a category reserved for global leaders with the most advanced cybersecurity frameworks.
The GCI introduced a five-tier level system in 2024.
