02/06/2026
The responsibilities of public institutions increasingly extend into the digital space. From the delivery of government services to the prevention of criminal activities, technology now influences how governments operate, how information moves, and how security challenges emerge.
The growing importance of these competencies was highlighted during the Joint Graduation Ceremony of the Cyber Orientation Course Class 2026-04 and Cyber Intermediate Course Class 2026-04, where Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) Chairperson - Secretary Oscar Valenzuela, joined the Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC) and its National Cyber Training Institute (NCTI) in recognizing professionals who completed specialized training in cybersecurity and digital risk management.
Bringing together officers from key national government agencies at the forefront of public safety, security, intelligence, and drug control efforts, the training programs combined specialized instruction and practical exercises to strengthen participants' capacity to address emerging cyber threats and digital risks.
Among the graduates were three personnel from the DDB's Management Information Systems Division (MISD), whose work supports the Board's digital operations and information management initiatives. Their participation highlights the increasingly important role of information systems in supporting government operations, safeguarding institutional data, and ensuring the reliability of services that depend on secure digital infrastructure.
In his keynote message, Secretary Valenzuela emphasized that cybersecurity has become an essential component of public safety and national security. He noted that criminal activities, including illegal drug operations, increasingly utilize digital platforms and technologies, making cyber preparedness an important consideration in efforts to protect communities and uphold the rule of law.
He likewise cited the adoption of DDB Board Regulation No. 12, which established a cyber and information technology service within the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), as a concrete example of how government institutions are strengthening their capabilities to address emerging threats that increasingly exploit digital platforms and technologies.
Cybersecurity is no longer confined to the realm of technical specialists. It has become an increasingly important consideration in the work of governance, public safety, and national security. As society becomes more connected, the ability to anticipate, understand, and respond to digital threats is becoming an integral part of protecting communities and strengthening institutions.