As the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) continues its journey toward digitalization, the agency also commits to safeguarding the sensitive data of the public, particularly of the marginalized sectors, by escalating its capacity in data protection and cyber security.

The DSWD’s commitment to data protection was given emphasis during the recently concluded Data Protection Workshop at the St. Giles Hotel, Makati City on October 26.

“As we digitalize DSWD’s services, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of data privacy to ensure the trust and safety of the millions relying on us,” DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said in his message.

The DSWD chief also underscored the need for robust cybersecurity and data protection to enhance social protection services and reinforced his call to the DSWD personnel who are dedicated to data privacy.

“Join us as we pioneer the integration of digital transformation with social protection. Together, we can build a safer, more inclusive digital ecosystem for all Filipinos,” Sec. Gatchalian said.

The workshop covered critical aspects of the Data Privacy Act, its roles, privacy principles, rights of the data subject, and penalties for breaches. The workshop was also aimed at equipping DSWD’s workforce with the knowledge to maintain and enhance the privacy and security of the agency’s clients amid the digitalization of social protection.

The DSWD chief also expressed gratitude to the participants and organizers for taking the initiative to conduct a data protection workshop.

“I commend the department’s leaders for steering our workforce towards becoming data protection champions,” Sec. Gatchalian said.

Assistant Secretary for e-Governance and IT Concerns Julius Gorospe, who is also the DSWD chief information officer (CIO), emphasized that the dedication of the Department to data privacy is unwavering.

“By hosting this workshop, we reinforce the interconnectedness of data protection with social protection – because when we secure data, we secure lives and livelihoods,” the DSWD chief information officer pointed out.

Aligning it to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr’s directive on digital innovation, the workshop also featured rigorous case studies, risk mapping, and mitigation strategies to reinforce the practical application of theoretical knowledge.

Information and Communication Technology Management Service (ICTMS) Director Christian Joseph Regunay explained that the nuanced understanding of personal data’s life cycle and compliance requirements is crucial for the DSWD.

“This workshop is a pivotal stride in ensuring that our employees become staunch custodians of data privacy,” Dir. Regunay said.

The workshop, which was organized by the Office of the CIO and the ICTMS, was facilitated by Karl Marxcuz Reyes, a TUV Rheinland certified Data Protection professional (DPO).

“In the wake of escalating malware incidents and data breaches, we must equip our workforce with the knowledge to maintain and enhance the privacy and security of the vulnerable populations we serve,” Reyes said.

The DPO expert also called for the data protection professionals inside the DSWD to strengthen the protection of its clients against any cyber issues.

“DSWD is not just a workplace but a battleground against digital vulnerabilities. If you are driven by the mission to protect and empower, we have a place for you,” Reyes stressed.

The aggressive drive of the DSWD toward enhanced data protection through professional development indicates a profound commitment to ensuring that the nation’s social protection systems are resilient in the face of cyber threats. #