PLDT, Smart, CICC Announced Broad Public-Private Alliance to Secure IT and Telco Infrastructure

​Leading integrated telco PLDT, Inc. (PLDT), its wireless division Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) are spearheading the country's largest public-private collaboration, PROTECTA Pilipinas, or Protect Technology-Telecom Alliance, to safeguard technology and telecommunications infrastructure and help ensure that Filipinos have unhindered access to much-needed connectivity.

"PLDT - Smart and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) led the formation of PROTECTA Pilipinas alliance for the mutual protection of tech and telco infrastructure, to help ensure that connectivity services will always be available to our countrymen, given their critical role in emergency response, national security, economic growth and daily life,” said Atty. Roy Ibay, Convenor of Protecta Pilipinas, VP and Head of Regulatory at Smart and Private sector board representative to the CICC.

Representatives from CICC, PCTO, advocacy group CitizenWatch Philippines, public policy think-tank Infrawatch PH, the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), PLDT, Smart, Federation of International Cable TV Association of the Philippines (FICTAP), and Manila Electric Co (Meralco) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the CICC office in Taguig City, while the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) acted as a witness.

"We are grateful to all the signatories to this MOU for agreeing to form the alliance, and for their support in our broader goal of ensuring the unhampered delivery of connectivity and safeguarding technology and telecommunication assets since they are considered critical infrastructure for nation building," Atty Ibay added.

"This endeavor is proof that the government cares for the industry. These efforts will ensure that our critical infrastructure for communications are given proper attention in terms of security and integrity. I thank the industry for trusting the government that we can work together in ensuring continued service for everyone," said CICC Executive Director Alexander K. Ramos.

PROTECTA Pilipinas aims to increase resilience by identifying and advocating for methods that improve telecom network resilience, such as redundancy, disaster recovery plans, and cybersecurity protocols to prevent interruptions. The alliance also intends to work closely with government bodies in charge of telecom regulation and infrastructure management, including initiatives on policies, regulations, and enforcement mechanisms to protect telecom assets; and with telecom operators, equipment manufacturers, and service providers to encourage best practices, information sharing, and joint efforts to secure infrastructure.

PROTECTA Pilipinas seeks to build monitoring systems to evaluate the health and performance of telecom facilities, as frequent assessments might reveal vulnerabilities, maintenance requirements, and potential threats. The alliance also intends to promote rapid reporting procedures for suspicious activity or threats to telecom infrastructure in order to ensure that relevant authorities respond quickly.

On the policy front, PROTECTA Pilipinas intends to push for legal frameworks that specifically safeguard communications infrastructure from vandalism, theft, and sabotage, including sanctions for violators.

PLDT and Smart's leadership roles in PROTECTA Pilipinas are closely connected with the PLDT Group's ongoing efforts to improve the overall quality of customer experience nationwide. It also emphasizes the PLDT Group's commitment to assisting the country in meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), particularly UN SDG 9—Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, as well as bolstering the government's overall push to digitalize the nation, close the digital divide, and bring the benefits of the internet to more Filipinos across the country.​