Valenzuela City is set to become home to the Philippines' National Cyber Security Center following a partnership between the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (Koica). The facility is expected to strengthen the country's ability to respond to cyber threats while helping train future cybersecurity professionals.
The project marks the redevelopment of a former telecommunications office property in Valenzuela, transforming the once-unused site into a national facility dedicated to digital security and cyber resilience.
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New Facility to Strengthen Cybersecurity Capabilities
During the groundbreaking, Valenzuela Mayor Wes Gatchalian highlighted the significance of giving new purpose to the long-idle property.
“For many years, the former telecommunications office property here in Valenzuela stood quiet and unused, waiting for a purpose worthy of its potential,” Gatchalian said.
“Today, we celebrate not just the groundbreaking of the National Cyber Security Center, but the transformation of that once-idle property into a place that will serve not only Valenzuelanos, but the entire Filipino nation,” he added.
The mayor also shared that the city plans to continue expanding its information and communications technology initiatives.
“But this is only the beginning. Next year, we hope to break ground for the Valenzuela ICT Academy through the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela,” Gatchalian added.
PH-Korea Partnership to Develop Cyber Talent
The agreement was formally signed by Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda on behalf of the Philippine government in partnership with Koica. According to Aguda, the collaboration also strengthens the longstanding relationship between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea.
The project is scheduled to be implemented over five years and will involve the participation of critical information infrastructure organizations, national government agencies, local government units, and private sector partners. The initiative aims to improve the country's cyber crisis response capabilities while developing a stronger pool of cybersecurity professionals equipped to address evolving digital threats.
Also present during the event were Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa and Koica Vice President Lee Yun-young, underscoring the joint commitment of both countries to advancing cybersecurity cooperation.
The National Cyber Security Center is expected to help protect critical digital systems, enhance the country's preparedness against cyberattacks, and create more opportunities for Filipinos pursuing careers in information technology and cybersecurity, benefiting both the nation's digital economy and public security.
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