Pioneering Filipino-led cybersecurity platform advances public-private alliances, practical security solutions, and industry collaboration in the age of intelligent threats.
I AM SECURE 2026 successfully concluded its culminating event, the ISOGx Season 4 Conference, Cybersecurity Solution Pitch and Exhibition, held on October 1, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center Aura, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
The event brought together cybersecurity executives, government officials, technology innovators, industry associations, and business leaders to strengthen collaboration and advance the Philippines’ cybersecurity preparedness amid increasingly sophisticated digital threats.
Established in 2018, I AM SECURE is a cybersecurity awareness and industry engagement platform spearheaded by the Information Security Officers Group (ISOG), with XMS as its strategic partner and producer, alongside key industry stakeholders.
Anchored on the theme “Soaring High: Future-Ready in the Age of Intelligent Threats,” the 2026 initiative emphasized strengthening enterprise, public, and private alliances while advancing practical and scalable cybersecurity strategies.
Strengthening Cybersecurity Leadership and National Resilience
In his opening remarks, Chito Jacinto, President of ISOG, underscored the growing complexity of cyber threats driven by artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and evolving attack methods.
Citing findings from the Philippine Statistics Authority, Jacinto highlighted that approximately 24.28 million Filipino ICT-device users experienced at least one cybersecurity incident in 2024, with only 1.9 percent of affected individuals reporting incidents to authorities.
He also referenced the World Economic Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2026, which identified artificial intelligence as a major driver of cybersecurity transformation, while emphasizing the need to prepare for longer-term technological developments, including quantum computing.
Jacinto reinforced the importance of shared responsibility among government, enterprise, technology providers, and cybersecurity professionals in protecting the nation’s digital infrastructure and strengthening organizational resilience.
Meanwhile, Alvin Punsalan, Vice President of ISOG, reaffirmed the organization’s mission of developing information security professionals through continuous learning, knowledge n Punsalan, Vice President of ISOG, reaffirmed the organization’s mission of developing information security professionals through continuous learning, knowledge
exchange, mentorship, and industry collaboration.
He emphasized that ISOG’s progress extends beyond conference attendance and should be measured by the professional development, meaningful partnerships, and lasting value created for its members and the broader cybersecurity community.
Government and Industry Leaders Call for a Unified Cybersecurity Front
A major highlight of the conference was the executive panel discussion, “A Unified Front: Securing the Nation Against Evolving Cyber Threats,” which brought together senior representatives of government and the cybersecurity industry.
The discussion featured:
– Chito Jacinto, President, Information Security Officers Group (ISOG)
– Usec. Rodil Aniban, Officer-in-Charge, Office of the Undersecretary for Cybersecurity, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)
– Rojun Valaquio Hosillos, Director IV, Cybercrime Investigation Office, Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC)
– PLT Justin Butz Fetalino, Chief, Information and Communications Technology Management Section, Philippine National Police- Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG)
Moderated by Patricia Bermudez-Hizon, the discussion centered on strengthening cross-sector coordination, improving cyber defense readiness, and advancing collective approaches to emerging digital threats.
The session reinforced the importance of aligning government policies, enterprise cybersecurity practices, law enforcement capabilities, and industry expertise toward a more unified national cybersecurity ecosystem.
Bridging Cybersecurity Strategy with Practical Solutions
At the center of ISOGx Season 4 was its Cybersecurity Solution Pitch, themed “Securing Digital Ecosystems Through Scalable and Practical Cybersecurity Solutions.”
The program connected enterprise cybersecurity challenges with emerging technologies, practical strategies, and implementation-driven approaches designed to strengthen digital security across industries.
Titanium plenary presentations featured:
– Aminul Tareq, Senior Solutions Engineer, F5, through Westcon
– Jason Heng, Regional Director, ASEAN, Rapid7
– Rookie Nagtalon, Board of Trustee, CIO Philippines, representing NMI
– Djay Mabborang, Solutions Engineer, ViewQwest
– Jessica Bernardo, Senior Solutions Architect, Infoblox
– Jayesh Panicker, Global Solutions Engineer, Sophos, through WSI
– Matthew Moore, Principal Observability Strategist, APJ, Datadog, through Netsec
– Christina Tee-Bautista, Senior Solutions Consultant, TrendAI, through VST-ECS
Platinum plenary presentations included:
– Kenneth Yu, Senior Manager, Solutions Engineering, Southeast Asia, Forcepoint
– Leonardo Hutabarat, Director, Solutions Engineering APAC, Exabeam
– Kae Arroyo, Country Manager, Varonis, through Westcon
– Nap Castillo, Senior Manager, Systems Engineering, Fortinet, through VST-ECS
– Kamal Narayan, Senior Director of Product Management, Arcon
Complementing the plenary discussions, the Gold breakout sessions provided additional technical perspectives through presentations
-Jennifer Tan, Country Manager of Gigamon, through MSecurity and MEC
– Alvin Lye, Regional Sales Director of Menlo, through Netsec and VST-ECS
– Rahim Malek, Security Consultant of Abnormal AI, through Netsec
– Charlie Wood, Regional Sales Director of BeyondTrust, through Westcon
Exhibitor: Apol Salud, technical Head, Cyble, through ABPSecurite
Together, the presentations highlighted the importance of transforming cybersecurity strategies into actionable solutions, supporting organizations in addressing emerging threats, strengthening operational resilience, and protecting critical digital assets. The exhibition further provided opportunities for delegates to engage directly with cybersecurity solution providers, discover emerging technologies, and build professional and business partnerships.
Cyber Caravan Advances Awareness and Cross-Sector Collaboration
Another key component of I AM SECURE 2026 was the Cyber Caravan, which brought together representatives of the defense sector, law enforcement, government cybersecurity agencies, and professional organizations to advance cybersecurity awareness and public engagement.
Featured presenters included:
– Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, Spokesperson and Group Commander, Media and Civil Affairs Group (MCAG), Armed Forces of the Philippines.
– PCOL. Jay Guillermo,Chief, Investigation Division, Philippine National Police
Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG)
– Alwell Mulsid, MTM, Incident Response Section Lead, National Computer Emergency
Response Team (NCERT), Cybersecurity Bureau- DICT
– Girlie Esguerra, Department Manager, Information Security – Pag-IBIG Fund and Co-Chair for Membership, ISOG
– Dr. Donald Lim, President and Chairman, Cybersecurity Council of the Philippines (CSCP)
– Jeannine Roxas, CISA, CSX, COBIT(F), President, ISACA Manila Chapter
– Dante Fuentes, CPA, CFE, CAMS, President, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) – Philippines Chapter
Function hall exhibitors: Titanium & Platinum sponsors
● F5 through Westcon, Rapid7, NMI, ViewQwest, Infoblox, Sophos through WSI, Datadog through Netsec, and TrendAI through VST-ECS.
● Forcepoint, Exabeam, Varonis through Westcon, Fortinet through VST-ECS, and ARCON.
Foyer exhibitors: Gold & Exhibitor Sponsors & Institutional Alliances
● Gold sponsors: Gigamon through MSecurity and MEC, Menlo through Netsec and VST-ECS, Abnormal AI through Netsec, and BeyondTrust through Westcon.
● Institutional Alliances:
– National Privacy Commission (NPC) Registration System (NPCRS) and the Data Breach Notification Management System (DBNMS)
– Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)
– Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC)
– Philippine National Police- Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG)
– Media and Civil Affairs Group (MCAG), DWDD 1134kHz, Armed Forces of the Philippines-Radio (AFP-Radio)
Meeting Rooms: Solution Showcase, Organization certifications and community programs
– NMI Solution Showcase
– Rootcon Village
– Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) – Philippines Chapter
– ISACA Manila Chapter
– ISC2 -Philippines
– Cloud Security Alliance -Philippines (CSA- PH)
– Institute of Internal Auditors Philippines (IAAP)
The Cyber Caravan reinforced the importance of cybersecurity awareness, institutional cooperation, organization collaboration, responsible digital practices, and sustained engagement among stakeholders protecting the country’s digital ecosystem.
Eight Years of Collaboration and Industry Development
In her closing remarks, Xialeemar Valdeavilla, Chief Executive Officer of XMS and I AM SECURE strategic partner, reflected on the platform’s eight-year journey and its contribution to cybersecurity advocacy and the Philippine business events industry.
Since 2018, I AM SECURE has evolved into a collaborative platform connecting cybersecurity professionals, government agencies, technology companies, business leaders, and professional organizations.
Valdeavilla emphasized the role of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions, and Events (MICE) in fostering meaningful industry connections, knowledge exchange, and long-term partnerships.
“A successful business event becomes a platform for an industry,” she shared, highlighting how the longstanding partnership between ISOG and XMS has created opportunities for continuous growth, innovation, and industry development. She also expressed appreciation to ISOG for its enduring trust and partnership, recognizing the shared commitment that has sustained I AM SECURE throughout the years.
The conference concluded with a fellowship gathering led by Pam Valmonte, Head of I AM SECURE and XMS’s Operations Manager, recognizing the collective contributions of speakers, sponsors, technology partners, alliance organizations, delegates, and the organizing team.
The gathering celebrated another milestone for the initiative and the partnerships that continue to support its advocacy.
Recognizing Industry, Institutional, and Media Partnerships
The success of I AM SECURE 2026 was made possible through the continued support of its sponsors, technology and distribution partners, government institutions, cybersecurity associations, industry alliances, media organizations, and participating delegates.
The initiative also acknowledged the valuable support of its media alliances, including AFP Radio DWDD, Fintech News Philippines, Cignal- One News, ABS-CBN, Manila Standard, Malaya Business Insights, BusinessMirror, Newsbytes.PH, Layer-Eight, Tech Travel Monitor, Digi PH, and the Philippine Information Technology Organization (Phil-IT).
These partnerships play an important role in extending the reach of cybersecurity awareness, promoting industry engagement, and encouraging greater participation in national digital security initiatives.
Continuing the Mission Toward a Cyber-Resilient Philippines
As I AM SECURE advances toward its first decade, the initiative remains committed to strengthening cybersecurity leadership, professional development, technology innovation, and collaboration across government, enterprise, academia, and the wider cybersecurity community.
Through its established industry network and continued partnership between ISOG, XMS, and key stakeholders, I AM SECURE aims to translate cybersecurity awareness into actionable strategies and sustainable collaboration.
With the conclusion of ISOGx Season 4, the message remains clear: securing the Philippines’ digital future requires a unified, informed, and resilient cybersecurity community.
About I AM SECURE
Established in 2018, I AM SECURE is a pioneering Filipino-led cybersecurity awareness and industry engagement initiative spearheaded by the Information Security Officers Group (ISOG), with XMS as its strategic partner and producer. Through executive forums, conferences, exhibitions, knowledge exchange, and institutional partnerships, the platform connects government, enterprise, cybersecurity professionals, and technology partners to advance cybersecurity awareness, resilience, and collaboration in the Philippines.
About the Information Security Officers Group (ISOG)
The Information Security Officers Group (ISOG) is a Philippine professional community dedicated to advancing information security through knowledge sharing, continuous learning, professional development, and industry collaboration. ISOG promotes stronger cybersecurity practices while supporting the growth of information security professionals and strengthening the nation’s cybersecurity ecosystem.
About XMS
XMS is a Philippine-based strategic consultancy and business events organization specializing in MICE, strategic marketing, industry engagement, and professional event production. Through collaboration with government, industry, technology partners, and academia, XMS develops purposeful platforms that support knowledge exchange, business development, institutional partnerships, and industry advancement. Strategic Solutions. Purposeful Impact.
Souvenir program: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/40174b5aeb.html
Summary video: https://youtu.be/l5bsU1hH-Zg
Event Information and Media Resources
Official Website: https://iamsecure.ph/
Conference Website: https://iamsecure.ph/conference-isog-x/
Official Event Video: https://youtu.be/l5bsU1hH-Zg
Website:https://iamsecure.ph/
Social Media:
– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamsecureofficial/
– LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/i-am-secure-ph
– YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IAMSecure.Campaign
