The Philippines and Canada are working towards establishing a defense agreement this year, with a Canadian delegation set to visit Manila to discuss the deal. Canadian Ambassador to Manila, David Hartman, expressed his optimism about the agreement, while Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. highlighted the importance of increased defense cooperation between countries.
While the details of the proposed accord were not disclosed, Teodoro emphasized that the agreement aims to enhance defense collaboration, similar to the memorandum of understanding (MoU) that the Philippines has with other nations. Hartman confirmed that the MoU signing is imminent, as colleagues from Canada are expected to arrive in Manila this week.
Speaking at a forum on “Cyber Cooperation Towards Digital Security,” organized by the international think tank Stratbase Institute, Teodoro and Hartman emphasized the need for stronger cybersecurity measures. Hartman stated that Canada is ready to work with the Philippines in building a resilient and adaptable cybersecurity workforce. He stressed that military-to-military cooperation is just one aspect of the partnership, as they aim to go beyond that.
Highlighting the importance of collaboration between countries, Sami Khoury, the head of the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, discussed the various cyber threats faced by the world. These threats range from misinformation, disinformation, and data leakage to cyber espionage. Khoury emphasized the need for a “whole-of-society” approach and closer collaboration between governments, private sectors, and civil society.
Hartman echoed Khoury’s sentiments, stating that perpetrators of malicious activities in the digital domain are diverse and employ a wide array of tools. He highlighted the use of sophisticated and covert digital weapons for espionage, economic disruption, criminal activities, and interference in political systems. Hartman also emphasized the growing threat from emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
Recognizing the interconnected nature of the world, Hartman stressed the importance of like-minded countries working together to build a resilient and adaptable cyber workforce for the future. He expressed Canada’s commitment to enhancing collaboration with partners in the region and strengthening regional and international norms of behavior.
The proposed defense agreement between the Philippines and Canada signifies a significant step towards bolstering cybersecurity efforts. By joining forces, both countries aim to address the evolving cyber threats and ensure the resilience of their digital infrastructure. The partnership goes beyond military cooperation, emphasizing the need for collaboration across sectors to combat misinformation, disinformation, and other cyber threats.
As technology continues to advance, it becomes crucial for nations to work together to develop a robust cybersecurity workforce capable of mitigating emerging threats. The Philippines and Canada recognize the importance of building capacity in the cyber domain and fostering international norms of behavior. With their shared commitment to cybersecurity, the Philippines and Canada are poised to become essential partners in this vital work.
In conclusion, the defense agreement between the Philippines and Canada represents a significant step towards strengthening cybersecurity. By leveraging their collective expertise and resources, both countries seek to enhance their cyber defenses and promote international cooperation. The partnership between the Philippines and Canada serves as a model for other nations in the ongoing fight against cyber threats.
Source: The Manila Times
