PH Tech News: DICT Cybersecurity Initiative, Startup Raises $50M
The Department of ICT launches a national cybersecurity campaign, a Filipino fintech startup secures major funding, and GCash introduces new security features.
The Philippine tech scene continues to grow rapidly, with significant developments in government initiatives, startup funding, and digital payment security. Here's what happened this week in Philippine technology.
DICT Launches "CyberSafe Pinoy" Campaign
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) launched a nationwide cybersecurity awareness campaign on March 25, 2025. The "CyberSafe Pinoy" program targets government employees, small businesses, students, and the general public with free cybersecurity education.
Free webinars, multi-language resources (English, Tagalog, Cebuano), school integration, SME security toolkit, and focuses on phishing awareness, social media safety, online banking security, and business email compromise.
Resources are available at dict.gov.ph/cybersafepinoy.
Filipino Fintech Startup Raises $50M
A digital payment platform focused on small and medium enterprises raised $50 million in Series B funding, achieving a $200 million post-money valuation. The startup provides payment solutions competing with GCash and Maya in specific niches.
The funding will support 10x merchant growth in 2025, new lending products, international remittance services, and expanded B2B offerings. This signals continued investor confidence in the Philippine fintech sector.
GCash Introduces New Security Features
GCash rolled out enhanced security measures following a 40% increase in fraud cases in 2024. New features include biometric authentication (face/fingerprint), transaction limits for new accounts, AI-powered fraud detection, and real-time scam alerts.
Action required: Update your GCash app to the latest version to enable these protections.
PH Ranks #1 in Southeast Asia for Digital Payments
According to the Mastercard Digital Payments Index 2025, 87% of Filipinos used digital payments in 2024. QR payments grew 156% year-over-year, contactless card usage increased 89%, and e-wallet penetration reached 78%.
Key drivers include pandemic acceleration, GCash/Maya competition, widespread merchant adoption, and government digitalization efforts.
New Tech Hub Opens in Cebu
A new tech hub opened in Cebu IT Park with capacity for 5,000 workers. The facility focuses on BPO operations, software development, and AI services. Features include co-working spaces, a startup incubator, training facilities, and access to international clients.
Job opportunities include software developers, data analysts, AI/ML engineers, and cybersecurity specialists.
PLDT Invests ₱15B in Network Expansion
PLDT announced a ₱15 billion investment in network infrastructure, focusing on fiber expansion, 5G rollout, rural connectivity, and enterprise solutions. The goal is to connect 95% of municipalities by 2026.
Job Market Update
In-demand tech roles in the Philippines include cybersecurity analysts, cloud engineers, data scientists, full-stack developers, and AI/ML specialists. Average monthly salaries range from ₱25,000-40,000 for junior developers to ₱80,000-150,000 for senior developers.
Maya launches cryptocurrency trading, Lazada opens a second distribution center in Cavite, Shopee Philippines tests drone delivery, DOST funds 50 AI research projects, and Google announces a PH data center planned for 2026.