MANILA – The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has announced a new partnership with CybersCool Defcon, Inc. aimed at bolstering the Philippines' cybersecurity education and workforce.
According to Philippines News Agency, the agreement signed on March 6 focuses on providing extensive training, assessment, and certification in cybersecurity and related information technology fields. TESDA Secretary Suharto Mangudadatu emphasized the collaboration's significance in creating a secure digital environment for Filipinos and enhancing national capabilities to address cyber threats and terrorism.
The joint initiative will facilitate the development and refinement of TESDA's competency standards, training regulations, and assessment instruments in cybersecurity. CybersCool has committed to contributing resources including facilities, equipment, software, and supplies to support this endeavor.
TESDA's cybersecurity training programs are designed to be accessible to a broad audience, targeting individuals 18 years and older, including high school graduates, as well as the unemployed and underemployed. The partnership also extends training opportunities to public sector employees through agreements with relevant government bodies.
The initiative aligns with national cybersecurity priorities outlined by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in the National Cybersecurity Plan 2023-2028, which advocates for a concerted effort from both public and private sectors to mitigate the risks of cyber incidents and crimes. CybersCool chair Reynato lauded the partnership as a crucial step in supporting these policy directions and strengthening the country's defenses against the growing threat of cyberattacks.