The IT Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) has called on the need to address cybersecurity issues in the industry, saying failure to do so will have a negative impact on its growth.
“If we do not address this problem, our target of creating 1.1 million jobs by 2028 and contributing $59 billion of export revenue will not happen,” said Celeste Ilagan, IBPAP chief policy officer.
In a multi-stakeholder dialogue on February 16, Ilagan said it is to the country’s advantage that government and private sector contribute to the resolution of this issue affecting the growth of the industry.
The dialogue concluded there is a need to tighten cybersecurity and confront the rising incidents of cybercrime including fraud in the industry.
The stakeholders also agreed to adopt collaborative strategies for cyber resilience and implement best practices for effective cybercrime investigations. They also encouraged healthy industry competition by promoting a legal framework that deters illegal practices.
Undersecretary Geronimo Sy, undersecretary of the Department of Justice (DOJ), said laws and regulations should adapt to the current cyber developments while enabling innovation and competition among players.
The attendees stressed the need to compete on the basis of quality, innovation, and value, rather than resorting to illicit tactics to gain an unfair advantage.
Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, undersecretary of the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) encouraged the designation of data protection officers in BPO entities as prescribed by law, and provide training and equipment on cybercrime for law enforcers and the community at the regional level and the countryside.
“We need to help improve our existing policies to address and respond to the changing times,” Sigue said.
Aside from officials of the DOJ and DICT, the event was also attended by representatives from the Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, National Privacy Commission, and National Prosecution Service.
