In a decisive push to strengthen the country’s cyber defense capabilities, Dr. Richard Arruejo of the University of Northern Philippines’ College of Communication and Information Technology (CCIT) was tapped by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Ilocos Norte to lead an intensive two-day cybersecurity training program held on May 20–21, 2026, at the DICT Ilocos Norte Provincial Office.
The program, titled “Global Knowledge Standards, Practices, and Technologies for Cybersecurity Functions, Governance, and Management,” gathered personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in a unified effort to strengthen the country’s cyber defense capabilities. Designed to confront the rapidly evolving landscape of digital threats, the 16-hour training equipped government and uniformed personnel with advanced cybersecurity frameworks, governance strategies, and emerging technologies essential in sustaining digital resilience and protecting critical information infrastructure.
The training modules based on CISCO, for which Dr. Arruejo is a CISCO Certified Instructor, cover a comprehensive range of critical cybersecurity domains, including: Governance and Compliance, Network Security, Testing and Threat Intelligence, Endpoint Vulnerability Assessment, Risk Management and Security Controls, and Digital Forensics and Incident Analysis. A Synergy of Expertise.
This emphasizes that this collaboration will not only ensure the success of the training but also strengthen the long-term partnership between the national agency and the university. By bridging the gap between academic excellence and practical government application, the initiative seeks to establish a standardized cybersecurity governance framework across the region.
The training culminated in a meaningful closing ceremony spearheaded by Mr. Carmi Henstain Perdido, DICT PDO I-ILCDB Ilocos Norte Provincial Focal Person, and Ms. Kyla Jeda Celvantes, DICT PDO II and Ilocos Norte Center Manager. During the activity, participants from the Philippine National Police and Bureau of Fire Protection were awarded certificates recognizing their completion of the intensive cybersecurity program—an initiative aimed to strengthen the nation’s frontline defenders tasked to safeguard critical data infrastructure and uphold global standards in modern cyber defense.
Engr. Jesus Agliam Jr., Ilocos Norte Provincial Officer, conveyed his appreciation to Dr. Richard Arruejo for leading the highly specialized training. “Dr. Arruejo’s expertise and invaluable contribution greatly contributed to the success of this initiative. These cybersecurity threat management and awareness trainings are both timely and essential in deepening the knowledge and understanding of our PNP and BFP personnel,” Agliam emphasized.
Article by Ramsel Infanta
