In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of harnessing technology for good and building a digitally empowered nation, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), through its Cybersecurity Bureau, officially opens Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2026 this October.

This year’s observance carries the theme “HABI: Salig sa Gawa, Tibay sa Banta” and the message “A People-Centered Approach to a Resilient Philippine Cyberspace.” The campaign emphasizes that resilience requires more than awareness. It requires the ability to prevent, respond to, and recover from cyber incidents.

In accordance with Proclamation No. 2054 (s. 2010), as amended by Proclamation No. 353 (s. 2023), the DICT leads the annual observance of Cybersecurity Awareness Month every October and encourages stakeholders across sectors to actively participate.

For the 2026 observance, the DICT is highlighting the need to turn awareness into action. Individuals and organizations alike must understand the risks they face, strengthen their defenses, and prepare for disruptions.

Inspired by the weaving together of different threads into a stronger whole, HABI reflects the spirit of Digital Bayanihan, bringing together people, institutions, technologies, capabilities, and partnerships to strengthen the country’s cybersecurity posture.

This year’s campaign is anchored on four pillars:

• Cyber Tanaw (Vision) – focuses on emerging threats, artificial intelligence, new technologies, digital trust, and cyber threat intelligence.
• Cyber Salig (Trust) – highlights the protection of identities, data, devices, systems, critical infrastructure, and the importance of cyber hygiene.
• Cyber Balangay (Barangay) – emphasizes cooperation, information sharing, partnerships, capability-building, and collective defense.
• Cyber Tibay (Strength) – focuses on resilience, incident response, recovery, continuity, and adaptation.

“The strongest defense against cyber threats is an informed, prepared, and united nation,” said DICT Secretary Henry R. Aguda. “Cybersecurity starts with each of us, but it succeeds when we work together. Through Digital Bayanihan, we can protect what matters and build a digital Philippines that is safer, stronger, and ready for the future.”

Throughout October, participating organizations are encouraged to conduct cybersecurity awareness and capacity-building activities relevant to their communities and stakeholders. Citizens can likewise contribute by practicing safer digital habits, protecting their personal information, and helping bring cybersecurity awareness closer to their families and communities.

As the Philippines continues its digital transformation, cybersecurity remains a foundation of trusted digital services, online safety, and public confidence. Through HABI, the DICT aims to help ensure that Filipinos can learn, work, transact, and connect online with greater security and confidence.