Riding the momentum of a successful Forum 1, Forum 2 of the I AM SECURE 2025 cybersecurity awareness campaign once again united the country’s top cyber minds at Makati Diamond Residences. With the recurring theme “Priming for Cyber Defense: The Consummate Strategy,” the forum delved deeper into how cognitive priming shapes the ethical and behavioral dimensions of cyber defense strategies.
In his opening address, ISOG President Chito Jacinto drew focus toward the human-centered core of cybersecurity efforts. “We turn our focus not just to the ‘how,’ but to the ‘should’ — not just the tool, but the ethics and outcomes behind using priming in our cyber strategies. At the heart of this forum is a belief we share: The human layer of cybersecurity is not a vulnerability — it’s a strategic advantage. But only if we invest in it responsibly.”
ISOG Vice-President Alvin Punsalan issued a call to action rooted in responsibility and leadership: “We must champion transparency, autonomy, and respect for users’ choices. That’s how ethical cybersecurity is done. I invite all of us — cyber leaders, security awareness champions — to rise to this next challenge: Let us expand our defenses beyond systems and code, and into the real behavior of real people. As ISOG, we are not just observers of change — we are drivers of it.”
Law Enforcement Perspective Anchors Keynote
Keynote Speaker Police Brigadier General Bernard R. Yang, Director of the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group, inspired attendees with a compelling address on “Combating Emerging Cybercrimes: Insights from the Field.” His speech provided an eye-opening look into law enforcement’s evolving strategies and commitment to ensuring digital safety for every Filipino.
Thought Leadership in Action
The forum’s agenda was anchored by two powerful panel discussions, both moderated by Atty. Laurice Esteban-Tuason, SVP for Corporate Compliance and Data Protection and Corporate Sustainability Officer at Converge ICT Solutions, Inc., and a 2024 I AM SECURE Cybersecurity Excellence Awardee.
Panel 1: “The Ethics of Cybersecurity Priming: How Far is Too Far?”
Attendees gained new insights on ethical boundaries in applying behavioral science to cybersecurity. This high-level discussion tackled consent, autonomy, and transparency, with panelists from Titanium sponsors and a guest speaker from SGS.
Panel 2: “Measuring the Success of Priming Techniques in Reducing Cybersecurity Breaches”
This session explored the data-driven side of priming. Panelists — drawn from Platinum sponsors and ISOG cybersecurity 2022 and 2024 awardees — shared how their organizations assess priming’s effectiveness in reducing incidents, enhancing compliance, and driving behavioral change.
Awardees and Thought Leaders Spotlighted
Forum 2 also recognized several I AM SECURE Cybersecurity Excellence Awardees from 2022 and 2024, whose contributions to data protection and cyber awareness continue to raise the bar: Rookie Nagtalon, Strategic Business Adviser, Aidea Group of Companies; Atty. Rommel Oquendo, DPO and Head of Data Privacy, Metrobank; Calvert Cabungcal, CIO & DPO, J-Del Investments & Management Corp.; and Carlos Tengkiat, CISO, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp.
Special Guest Speaker: Roger S. Villanueva, Business Director for Business Assurance, SGS Philippines, Inc.
Sponsors Showcase Innovation and Collaboration
Titanium Sponsors: Linette Managhaya, Senior Sales Engineer, Sophos (via WSI); Christina Tee-Bautista, Senior Presales Consultant, Trend Micro (via VST-ECS); April Cacho, Solutions Senior Engineer, Trends & Technologies, Inc.
Cloudflare was also featured through a digital campaign display and an interactive survey.
Platinum Sponsors: David Medallo, President, Human Managed; Jessica Bernardo, Senior Solutions Architect, Infoblox
Gold Sponsors: Lau Boon Peng, Area VP, Sales Engineer, APAC, Menlo Security (via Novare); Atty. Elias Omar Sana, Head of Public Policy, Huawei Technologies Philippines
Silver Sponsor: Harley Magsino, Country Manager, Arcon
Forum Features: Digital Engagement & Global Partnerships
Attendees enjoyed a vibrant mix of activities, including interactive raffles, speed networking sessions, and a grand draw during the festive closing ceremony. The event also reinforced ISOG’s commitment to strategic global engagement, spotlighting its role as a supporting association of GovWare — Asia’s premier cybersecurity event and a key feature of the Singapore International Cyber Week (SICW). Happening from Oct. 21-23, 2025 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Singapore, ISOG members will enjoy exclusive discounts as part of this partnership.
This collaboration, secured through the I AM SECURE program, marks a significant milestone in ISOG’s ongoing efforts to expand its influence on the global cybersecurity stage.
Previous, forum last June 19, featured sponsors:
Titanium Sponsors: F5 through Westcon, NMI, Rapid7, Arista through Netsec, Qualys, Fortinet through Netsec, and VST-ECS; Platinum Sponsors: Forcepoint,Palo Alto through Westcon, KnowBe4, Zscaler through Westcon; Gold Sponsors: Security Scorecard through Netsec; and Silver Sponsor: Gigamon with Extrahop
What’s Next?
The energy continues with the much-anticipated ISOGx Cybersecurity Solution Pitch & Exhibition, happening on Oct. 2, 2025, at the SMX Convention Center, SM Aura, Bonifacio Global City. This TEDx-style event will showcase short, impactful presentations from cybersecurity leaders and solution innovators across the region.
Media partners: BusinessWorld, DWDD AFP Radio, DIGI.PH, and Tech Travel Monitor
Event curation: XMS, partner of ISOG for I AM SECURE driven events
For more information and event updates:
Website: https://iamsecure.ph
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/i-am-secure-ph/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@iamsecure.campaign
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/12HHrEEXF7t/
For sponsorships or partnership opportunities, email isogcybersec@gmail.com.
Watch the recap video of Forum 1 here:
#IAMSECURE #IAMSECURE2025 #Cybersecurity #CybersecurityPhilippines #Security #ISOG #XMS
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