[Philippine Secretary of Information and Communications Technology Ivan John Uy (left) and U.S. Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy Nathaniel Fick (right)]
The United States and the Philippines recently held their first Cyber-Digital Policy Dialogue in Washington, D.C. to advance 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.   Â
During the Dialogue, U.S. Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy Nathaniel Fick and Philippine Secretary for Information and Communications Technology Ivan John Uy underscored their countries’ shared interest in advancing bilateral and regional cooperation on cyber capacity building, supporting the growth of the digital economy, and combating cybercrime following the Philippines’ recent admission to the International Counter Ransomware Initiative.Â
They also committed to further discussions on the protection of critical infrastructure against malicious cyber activity and enhanced collaboration between their respective national Computer Emergency Response Teams. Â
“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,” Secretary Uy said. “Our collaboration sets a powerful precedent, inspiring nations to join forces in confronting cybersecurity challenges head-on, ensuring a safer and more resilient global cyberspace for generations to come.”
For his part, Ambassador Fick said, “The United States believes that a secure and trustworthy ICT ecosystem is vital to supporting the growth of the digital economy and providing improved digital services for our citizens.”
He added, “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.”
Both sides agreed to pursue joint efforts on the development of fifth generation (5G) networks and open, interoperable, and trusted architectures such as Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN); secure and reliable global undersea cable networks; and digital connectivity and inclusion through cloud computing and satellite-based solutions.
Other commitments made during the Dialogue include ensuring the trusted flow of data across borders, deepening collaboration through the Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules Forum to facilitate interoperability among data protection and privacy frameworks globally, strengthening cooperation through the ASEAN Digital Ministers’ and Senior Officials’ meetings, and fostering investments for secure and resilient ICT infrastructure.    Â
Both countries also discussed the importance of upholding and implementing the United Nations Framework of Responsible State Behavior in Cyberspace as well as continued implementation of cyber confidence building measures.
The U.S. delegation included representatives from the Department of State, Department of Defense, Department of Commerce, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, including the Criminal Division and Federal Bureau of Investigation, Office of the National Cyber Directorate, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and U.S. Agency for International Development.
The Philippines was represented by officials from the Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of National Defense, Department of Transportation, Department of Trade and Industry, National Telecommunications Commission, National Privacy Commission, Cybercrime Investigation Coordinating Center, National Security Council, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Philippine National Police.
The United States and the Philippines will identify more opportunities for technology cooperation during the planned Japan-Philippines-United States Trilateral Cyber and Digital Dialogue later this year.
