The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) have broken ground on the National Cybersecurity Center (NCSC) in Valenzuela City, a major initiative aimed at strengthening the Philippines’ defenses against cyber threats.
The project, funded through a $25.6 million KOICA grant, will serve as the country’s central hub for cyber threat monitoring, intelligence sharing, and incident response. It will include the construction of a main facility in Valenzuela City and a backup center in Ilocos Norte, along with the deployment of advanced cybersecurity systems and specialized capacity-building programs.
DICT Secretary Henry Aguda said cybersecurity has become an essential pillar of nation-building in the digital age.
“The dream of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is for every Filipino to be connected and have access to digital opportunities. But beyond connectivity, we also want every Filipino to be secure. We don’t just want people connected, we want them protected,” Aguda said.
KOICA Vice President Lee Yun-Young said the initiative is especially significant as it represents the largest KOICA-funded cybersecurity project globally and one of the biggest KOICA grant projects currently being implemented in the Philippines.
“More than the scale of the investment, however, it reflects KOICA’s strong confidence in the Philippines’ digital future and our commitment to supporting the country’s efforts to build secure, resilient, and future-oriented digital institutions,” he added.
Once operational, the NCSC is expected to significantly enhance the country’s ability to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber threats, helping safeguard government systems, businesses, and the personal data of millions of Filipinos.
Beyond physical infrastructure, the project will also focus heavily on capacity building. Cybersecurity practitioners and government personnel will undergo rigorous technical training in the Philippines and Korea, while a specialized cybersecurity education curriculum and supporting learning infrastructure will be developed to ensure a sustainable pipeline of digital defenders for the country.
Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines Lee Sang-Hwa also underscored the center’s long-term value in supporting the Philippines’ digital transformation.
“By strengthening the Philippines’ capacity for cyber threat monitoring, incident response, and coordinated defense, the center will provide a strong foundation for the country to advance digital transformation while effectively managing cybersecurity risks and ensuring safe and sustainable digital growth,” he said.
Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian welcomed the project, describing it as a transformational investment that turns public land into a national asset for innovation and security.
“What was once an idle piece of land is now becoming a place where ideas are nurtured, talent is developed, and our nation’s digital future is strengthened,” Gatchalian said.