WHEREAS, under the Constitution, the State recognizes the vital role of communication and information in nation-building;

WHEREAS, Section 2 of Republic Act (RA) No. 10844 or the "Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Act of 2015" declares it a policy of the State to ensure consumer protection and welfare, data privacy and security, foster competition and the growth of the information and communication technology (ICT) sector;

WHEREAS, Section 2 of RA No. 10173 or the "Data Privacy Act of 2012" mandates the State to ensure that personal data in information and communications systems in the government and in the private sector are secured and protected;

WHEREAS, under Section 5 of RA No. 10844, the DICT is the primary administrative entity in charge of planning, developing, and promoting the national ICT development agenda, and under Section 7 of RA No. 10173, the National Privacy Commission (NPC) is responsible for monitoring and ensuring compliance of the Philippines with international standards set for data protection;

WHEREAS, one of the strategies set forth in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 is to ensure safety and security in cyber and physical spaces, and adopt a legal framework to strengthen cybersecurity and policies on minimum information security standards;

WHEREAS, the Philippines, as a State Party, to the Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime or the "Budapest Convention," has been committed to the development of domestic legislation against cybercrimes and to the promotion of awareness and collaboration among nations in the fight against cyber-related crimes, and;

WHEREAS, Proclamation No. 2054 (s. 2010) declared the month of September of every year as "Cybersecurity Awareness Month" to reinforce efforts to address strategic policy dimensions of cybersecurity, develop a national cyber defense capability, and create public awareness through intensified campaigns showcasing cybersecurity information; and

WHEREAS, in order to synchronize the Philippines with the international observance of the "Cybersecurity Awareness Month" in October, and to further signify the country's unwavering commitment towards a unified approach in the digital era of governance, there is a need to amend Proclamation No. 2054;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, , FERDINAND R,. MARCOS, JR., President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution and existing laws, do hereby order the amendment of Proclamation No. 2054 to transfer the observance of the "Cybersecurity Awareness Month" from September to October of every year.

The DICT, in coordination with the NPC and other relevant government agencies, shall lead the observance of the Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and identify the programs, projects and activities for the yearly celebration thereof, consistent with international best practices.

All other national government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, government financial institutions, and state universities and colleges, are hereby directed, and all local government units, non-government organizations, as well as the private sector, are hereby encouraged, to render the necessary support to the DICT and to actively participate in the annual observance of the Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

DONE, in the City of Manila, this 2^nd day of October, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Twenty-Three.