The United States and the Philippines aimed to make digital and cyberspace a safe place for everyone by advancing an “open, interoperable, reliable, and secure information and communication technologies (ICT) ecosystem to support the growth of the digital economy and strengthen resilience to cybersecurity threats.”
During the first Cyber-Digital Policy Dialogue, both countries emphasized their shared interest in advancing bilateral and regional cooperation on cyber capacity building.
They expressed support for the growth of the digital economy and combating cybercrime, especially following the Philippines’ recent admission to the International Counter Ransomware Initiative.
Both nations also agreed to further discussions on protecting “critical infrastructure against malicious cyber activity and to enhance collaboration between their respective national Computer Emergency Response Teams.”
“Cybersecurity stands as a paramount global challenge, demanding unified efforts, collective intelligence, and steadfast solidarity. The partnership between the United States and the Philippines serves as an exemplar of effective collaboration essential for combating these evolving threats,” DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy said.
Echoing the same commitment, US Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy Nathaniel Fick recounted, “the Philippines remains our friend, partner, and ally in the cyber and digital space. This first U.S.-Philippines Cyber-Digital Policy Dialogue was an opportunity to discuss our important bilateral efforts to strengthen cyber security and our digital economy and to protect government information systems that are a critical backbone of our alliance.”
Plans to pursue joint efforts were laid down as follows: “the development of fifth-generation (5G) networks and open, interoperable, and trusted architectures such as Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN); ensuring secure and reliable global undersea cable networks; and promoting digital connectivity and inclusion through cloud computing and satellite-based solutions.”
These efforts are supported by “the trusted flow of data across borders and deepening collaboration through the Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules Forum to facilitate global interoperability among data protection and privacy frameworks.”
Additionally, the Philippines and the US aim to strengthen cooperation through ASEAN Digital Ministers’ and Senior Officials’ meetings, fostering investments for secure and resilient ICT infrastructure.
Both countries have also identified further opportunities for multilateral technology cooperation in the upcoming Japan-Philippines-United States Trilateral Cyber and Digital Dialogue later this year.
