MANILA, Philippines - President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has officially mandated the adoption of the National Cybersecurity Plan (NCSP) 2023-2028 through Executive Order (EO) 58, signed on April 4, aiming to fortify the security and resilience of the nation's cyberspace. According to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the NCSP 2023-2028 is designed as a comprehensive "whole-of-nation roadmap" for the cohesive development and strategic enhancement of the country's cybersecurity measures.
EO 58 requires all national government agencies and instrumentalities to develop, adopt, and enact their cybersecurity plans and strategies in alignment with the NCSP 2023-2028, directly reflecting their individual mandates. Local government units (LGUs) are similarly encouraged to follow suit, promoting a unified approach to cybersecurity across all levels of government.
The EO emphasizes the crucial role of the DICT, pursuant to Section 15 of Republic Act 10844, in formulating the NCSP 2023-2028. This plan lays out the policy direction and operational guidelines for establishing a secure, trusted, and resilient digital environment for Filipinos. The order further insists on the necessity for coordinated support and collaboration from both national agencies, instrumentalities, and LGUs for the plan's successful execution.
The DICT is tasked with overseeing the effective implementation, monitoring, and periodic review of the NCSP, ensuring compliance with existing laws, rules, and regulations. Additionally, EO 58 entails collaboration between the DICT and the private sector, offering technical assistance to various government entities to facilitate the nationwide roll-out of the cybersecurity plan.
Under this executive order, the DICT is also required to provide bi-annual progress reports on the NCSP 2023-2028 to the President, via the Office of the Executive Secretary and the National Cybersecurity Inter-Agency Committee, ensuring transparency and accountability in the plan's implementation.
Funding for the initiatives outlined in EO 58 will be sourced from current and available appropriations of the concerned agencies, adhering to applicable budgeting, accounting, and auditing standards. Future financial requirements for the order's ongoing implementation will be incorporated into the General Appropriations Act, following standard budgetary procedures.
This strategic move to bolster cyberspace security is highlighted as a key component of the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, aiming to safeguard both cyber and physical realms in the Philippines. EO 58, made public on Saturday, takes effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.