DICT, Google to boost AI and cybersecurity in gov’t services
DICT, Google to boost AI and cybersecurity in gov’t services
https://technology.inquirer.net/147606/dict-google-to-boost-ai-and-cybersecurity-in-govt-services
Publish Date: 2026-06-24 23:56:00
Source Domain: technology.inquirer.net
Using an unordered list, summarize the following article with between 4 and 8 key points.
MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and Google Cloud have announced a multi-year deal to expand the usage of Artificial Intelligence and strengthen cybersecurity in Philippine government services on June 22.
The partnership also aims to enhance the country’s national cybersecurity defense, a step forward towards the country’s increasing digital demands.
Simplifying government services through AI
Under the “AI Agents for Public Sector” program, the DICT and Google launched Gemini Enterprise and Google Workspace through the Department of Budget and Management’s eMarketplace platform.
Article continues after this advertisement
This enables public servants to obtain enterprise-grade and AI services who are looking to streamline their workflow.
The initiative seeks to integrate enterprise-grade AI into government transactions and services while enhancing national cybersecurity, aligning with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.
The agency aims to create accessible government services that help citizens navigate processes like registering micro-businesses and checking health center schedules in local languages.
The partnership will train public servants to use Gemini Enterprise and Google Workspace, starting with an initial rollout of 50,000 workers.
Article continues after this advertisement
The initiative aims to upscale 200,000 public servants nationwide over the next 18 months.
“We’re empowering our public servants with world-class AI tools and upskilling programs to help them remove bureaucratic function, optimize public sector productivity, and deliver seamless, next-generation services that better serve and uplift our people in every community,” DICT Secretary Henry Aguda said in a press release.
Strengthening cybersecurity
The agency has also established a cross-agency cyber defense alliance through the DICT Cybersecurity Bureau and in partnership with Google Cloud.
Article continues after this advertisement
It deploys Google Cloud Cybershield, an AI-assisted and intel-driven cyber defense that protects the digital ecosystem and operations of government agencies.
The program currently secures the digital infrastructure of the Philippines-hosted ASEAN Summits running from April to November 2026.
Google Cloud has onboarded 56 agencies nationwide and trained them to leverage the program, and it aims to onboard 90 by the end of June 2026.
Jennifer Ligones of Google Cloud Philippines shared that the DICT collaboration aims to democratize AI benefits and empower public servants to solve complex challenges quickly.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.
“We’re building a future where best-in-class enterprise AI capabilities and high-speed data pipelines act as public utilities that unlock new job opportunities, protect critical national infrastructure, and help establish the Philippines as a leading digital economy in the Asia Pacific region,” Ligones also shared. (By Clyde Jan Pascual, INQUIRER.net Intern)
