The Department of National Defense (DND) conducted its first Senior Leaders Cyber Awareness Program on June 26, 2026, emphasizing the growing importance of cyber resilience and strategic leadership in national defense.
With the theme “Cyber Resilience and Strategic Leadership in the Defense Sector,” the program brought together senior defense officials to deepen their understanding of evolving cyber threats and reinforce their role in safeguarding defense information systems, critical infrastructure, and operational continuity.
In his opening remarks, DND Undersecretary for Information Systems and Cybersecurity Fabian M. Pedregosa said cybersecurity is no longer merely technical but a strategic leadership concern that directly impacts governance, public trust, and national security.
“Cybersecurity now affects every level of decision-making and operational continuity. Strategic leadership in this domain is critical for the defense sector,” Usec. Pedregosa said.
The program featured discussions led by experts from the Office of the Undersecretary for Information Systems and Cybersecurity (OUISC), the Office of the DND Information Security (ODIS), the AFP Cyber Command, and the AFP Intelligence Service. Topics ranged from the national defense cyber threat landscape to leadership responsibilities, operational continuity, and policy-driven cyber defense strategies.
Senior Undersecretary and Officer-in-Charge Irineo C. Espino delivered the keynote address, highlighting the Department’s vision to enhance its cybersecurity capability through structural reforms, policy development, and strategic management. He urged senior officials to embed cybersecurity considerations into daily operations, planning, and decision-making to strengthen the nation’s digital defense posture.
“Our cybersecurity is a strategic priority that demands commitment from all levels of the organization and our partners,” Espino said.
The Senior Leaders Cyber Awareness Program is part of the DND’s ongoing efforts to build a secure, interoperable, and future-ready defense organization capable of countering evolving cyber threats while ensuring national security.