The Department of National Defense (DND) and the United States Department of Commerce discussed possible cooperation on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), trusted technologies, digital infrastructure, and defense modernization during a meeting at Camp Aguinaldo.
DND Undersecretary for Information Systems and Cybersecurity Fabian Pedregosa met with William Guidera, acting assistant secretary for industry and analysis of the US Department of Commerce, on Friday to explore areas of collaboration that could support the country’s cyber resilience and modernization efforts.
Pedregosa cited ongoing Philippine initiatives, including the establishment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Cyber Command and the creation of the Office of the Undersecretary for Information Systems and Cybersecurity.
He said these efforts are meant to strengthen the country’s cyber defense posture and advance the use of AI-enabled capabilities in cybersecurity response, threat intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and decision-making.
The meeting also covered cooperation on trusted technology ecosystems, AI adoption, digital transformation, secure digital infrastructure, and C4ISTAR modernization to support operational resilience and national security goals.
The US delegation briefed Philippine defense officials on the priorities of the US Department of Commerce, including trusted AI partnerships and technology cooperation. It also reaffirmed the importance of the Philippines-US alliance in building secure and resilient technology systems.
Both sides also discussed possible collaboration on capability-building, workforce development, industry engagement, and continued coordination with US government agencies and private sector stakeholders.
The DND said the meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of the Philippines and the United States to develop secure, resilient, and future-ready technology ecosystems in support of defense modernization and national security.