Recognizing the escalating scale and sophistication of cyber threats—not only in the Philippines but across the wider Indo-Pacific, the forum underscored how increasingly low-cost, high-impact digital attacks are putting governments, businesses, and critical infrastructure at growing risk. This backdrop set the tone for a deeper discussion on why stronger cooperation and capacity building are urgently needed to bolster national and regional cyber resilience.
Japanese Ambassador ENDO Kazuya reaffirmed Japan’s strong commitment to supporting the Philippines’ cybersecurity capabilities as he attended the “Enhancing Cyber Resilience: Approach, Responses and Practical Actions” Forum on 20 November 2025 at The Peninsula Manila, Makati City.
The event, organized by the Stratbase Institute for Strategic and International Studies, gathered representatives from the Philippine government, military, academe, private sector, cybersecurity experts, and members of the diplomatic community. DICT Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda also participated.
With discussions centered on the rising cybersecurity risks in the Indo-Pacific, speakers stressed the importance of deeper cross-border collaboration to reinforce the region’s defenses.
In his remarks, Ambassador Endo highlighted Japan’s initiatives to strengthen cybersecurity capacity across ASEAN—particularly in the Philippines. He expressed confidence that the forum’s exchange on cyber incident response, international coordination, and capability development “will strengthen our collective efforts and advance the vision of a free, fair, and secure cyberspace for all.”
The forum’s insights further underscored shared efforts to promote stability and prosperity under the vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.