In today’s digital age, cybersecurity has become one of the most pressing challenges to national security. With cyberattacks increasingly targeting critical sectors such as energy, healthcare, and food supply chains, the need for strong cyber defense has never been greater.

To address this, the University of the Cordilleras (UC), in partnership with the University of Cincinnati, and with support from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Foreign Scholarships & Training Program (FSTP), launched the Securing the Cyber Domain Initiative (SCDI), an international cybersecurity training program for civilian and military officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines held on September 20-29, 2024.

The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that blends technical expertise with social science perspectives, equipping participants not only with hands-on cybersecurity skills but also with an understanding of the broader social, political, and economic implications of cyber threats.

At its core, the SCDI aims to:

• Advance national and international dialogue on cybersecurity through interdisciplinary perspectives and cooperation.
• Train a skilled cohort of cyber defense practitioners capable of responding effectively to evolving cyber threats.

The initiative is aligned with SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, as well as AmBisyon Natin 2040, by promoting human capital development, national security, and inclusive growth.

Through the SCDI, UC strengthens its role in shaping a safer, more resilient digital future for the Philippines and beyond.