University of Luzon College of Computer Studies Hosts 7th Cybersecurity Conference on Digital Governance and Privacy

The University of Luzon, through the College of Computer Studies, successfully convened the 7th Cybersecurity Conference on January 29, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s ongoing commitment to digital security and ethical governance. Held at the 3rd Floor UL Library, the symposium focused on the theme of Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance (GRC) and Data Privacy within the academic sector. This gathering brought together a distinguished assembly of IT professionals, educators, and Luzonians to address the increasingly complex challenges of protecting information in a hyper-connected educational landscape. The proceedings commenced with a warm welcome from the Director for International Relations, Prof. Angel S. Reyna, followed by an introductory discourse by the Dean of the College of Computer Studies, Dr. Diosdado C. Caronongan, both of whom emphasized the urgency of integrating robust security protocols within the university’s operational framework.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Elizalde Duran, President of the Cybersecurity Society of the Philippines and a founding director of the Cybersecurity Council of the Philippines. Dr. Duran challenged the audience to critically re-evaluate the concept of trust in academic digital systems, advocating for a proactive stance in managing information assets as the cyber landscape continues to evolve. His insights were further augmented by Mr. Robert S. Paguia, Division Chief and Data Protection Officer of the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center. Mr. Paguia provided a pragmatic perspective on the current state of cybercrime, highlighting that institutional awareness and individual prevention serve as the primary bastions against digital threats. The morning session concluded with a presentation by Mr. Ramil B. Oribia, founder of the Philippine Data Guardians, who spoke extensively on the legalities of data processing and the ethical responsibility of organizations to safeguard personal information.

The afternoon sessions featured contributions from the university’s own Master of Information Technology (MIT) faculty, ensuring that the theoretical frameworks discussed by the plenary speakers were localized to the specific needs of the University of Luzon. Prof. Andrew C. Caronongan delivered a comprehensive analysis of risk management strategies tailored for academic institutions, identifying vulnerabilities that are often overlooked in daily administrative operations. Complementing this, Prof. Rina V. Cabansag discussed the intrinsic value of personal data as an extension of individual identity, stressing the importance of maintaining user control over digital footprints. These presentations fostered a collaborative environment where students and faculty engaged in high-level discussions regarding the balance between accessibility and security. The event concluded with a call to action for all Luzonians to adopt a culture of accountability, ensuring that the university remains a safe haven for intellectual inquiry and data-driven innovation.

This initiative directly aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), most notably SDG 4 (Quality Education) by ensuring a secure and resilient learning environment for all students. By fostering technical expertise and ethical digital practices, the conference also contributes to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through the promotion of inclusive and sustainable digitalization. Furthermore, the emphasis on legal compliance and data protection mirrors the objectives of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), as the university strives to build effective, accountable, and transparent institutional frameworks that protect the fundamental right to privacy in the digital age.