The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on Jan. 20, 2026, marking a joint effort focused on cybersecurity capacity building within the public sector.
Strengthening cyber resilience
Under the agreement, DICT-ILCDB will work with BPI to identify and select government officers who will undergo specialized cybersecurity training.
The initiative aims to enhance institutional readiness and resilience against cyber-enabled financial crimes, particularly among agencies involved in digital operations and financial transactions.
“Protecting our clients and communities extends beyond banking services. It includes contributing to national efforts that build digital trust and resilience,” Cathy Santamaria, BPI chief customer and marketing officer, said in a press release.
“Through our partnership with DICT-ILCDB, we aim to help strengthen the cybersecurity capabilities of government institutions and support a safer digital environment for all Filipinos,” she added.
Building on CyberAcademy
The collaboration builds on the BPI CyberAcademy, a public-private cybersecurity training initiative designed to support national efforts to combat financial cybercrime.
The program follows a structured and standardized curriculum that equips participants with practical tools, shared terminology, and applied knowledge in cybersecurity, digital fraud, and cybercrime prevention.
BPI said the initiative reflects its broader commitment to supporting digital trust and security beyond traditional banking services.
Rising cyber threats
The partnership comes amid a sharp rise in cybercrime complaints in recent years.
Data from the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) show that more than 10,000 cybercrime complaints were lodged in 2024—over three times the roughly 3,300 cases recorded in previous years.
Total losses reached close to P200 million, largely driven by online scams and fraud cases.
These figures highlight the growing urgency to equip government personnel with the skills and knowledge needed to address increasingly sophisticated digital threats.
Early program results
In 2024, BPI implemented the CyberAcademy in partnership with DICT, the United States Agency for International Development–Better Access and Connectivity (USAID-BEACON), and Trends Academy, supporting the national agenda to build cyber resilience among public sector employees.
As part of the program, 17 government officers from various agencies completed the CompTIA Security+ training and certification program, strengthening their competencies in cybersecurity and digital forensics.
Of these, 12 participants earned certification, with the program concluding through ceremonial awarding activities at participants’ respective offices—underscoring deeper public-private collaboration. — Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
