Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Friday led the formal launching of the department circular on information technology (IT) and cybersecurity standards during the CYBERCON 2025 held at the Tejeros Hall, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Commissioned Officers Club in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

“The Department Circular establishes a standard framework for information technology governance and cybersecurity implementation, ensuring a cohesive, interoperable, and secure digital environment across the defense establishment,” DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong said in a statement.

Andolong said this reinforces cyber resilience by protecting information assets, communication systems and mission-critical platforms, while promoting accountability, compliance and disciplined digital culture within the DND.

A ceremonial handover of the circular to the DND’s civilian bureaus and the AFP marked the official start of its full implementation across the defense sector.

Meanwhile, members of the DND ad hoc committee for cyber policy received the Outstanding Achievement medal for their pivotal role in crafting and harmonizing the department’s cybersecurity framework.

The DND also recognized excellence in cyber capability development through the awarding of winners from the DND Cyber Exercise, which demonstrated the competencies of participating defense units in detecting, responding to, and mitigating simulated cyber threats.

CYBERCON serves as the DND’s flagship platform for advancing cyber readiness, strengthening interagency collaboration, and promoting a secure, resilient and technologically capable defense institution, fully aligned with the DND’s mandate to protect both the physical and digital domains of national security. (PNA)