Empowering Mindanao: Data Privacy Roadshow in Davao City
The Data Privacy (DP) Council, in cooperation with the National Privacy Commission (NPC), has achieved another significant milestone in their mission to bolster data privacy awareness and compliance with the successful conclusion of the third leg of the Data Privacy Roadshow at the Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao City on October 6, 2023.
The roadshow's impact was further amplified through strategic partnerships with leading organizations such as Insular Life, Ayala, Bank of the Philippine Islands, FWD Insurance, Globe Telecom, Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao, McDonald's, Petron, Davao Light, Panasonic, Mapua Malayan Colleges Mindanao, San Miguel Corporation, and KAT-C Business and Data Privacy Consulting, Inc. These partnerships highlight a united commitment to data privacy education and compliance, emphasizing the growing importance of this critical issue.
The Data Privacy Roadshow, a flagship initiative of the DP Council led by Ms. Gelalyn V. Boquiren, Data Protection Officer (DPO) of San Miguel Corporation, aims to provide free and accessible education and guidance on data privacy matters across the Philippines. The third leg of the roadshow welcomed over 260 DPOs, Heads of Organizations, Compliance Officers for Privacy (COPs), and dedicated data privacy advocates mostly from Regions 9, 10 and 11, including the National Capital Region.
In his welcome speech, Privacy Commissioner Atty. John Henry D. Naga took the stage to commend Ms. Gelalyn V. Boquiren for her remarkable leadership as the DP Council President in driving this transformative initiative forward. Privacy Commissioner Naga also celebrated the momentous achievements and global recognition garnered by the NPC, which includes major milestones like the establishment of the NPC Registration System (NPCRS), Data Breach Notification Management System (DBNMS), and revitalization of the DPO Accountability Compliance and Ethics Training.
In his address, Privacy Commissioner Naga underscored the indispensable role of privacy initiatives such as the Data Privacy Roadshow. He called upon DPOs, COPs, and privacy advocates to join forces in an effort to expand the impact of privacy initiatives. He emphasized, “Every Filipino, from all walks of life, should be brought into this shared mission to safeguard privacy as a fundamental right in today's hyper-connected world.”
The roadshow featured a distinguished lineup of speakers from the NPC, including Atty. Anna Benjieline R. Puzon, Atty. Avy Jude Marie M. Pakingan, and Atty. Rainier Anthony M. Milanes, who provided valuable insights on DPA Awareness, NPC Updates, and the Road to Compliance. Additionally, a lineup of DPO speakers from the DP Council, including Mr. Bernedict Lozano, Mr. Russel Hernandez, Atty. Alex Austria, Atty. Rosa Margarita De Guzman, Atty. Charlene Tapic-Castro and Mr. Joson Lim, shared their expertise on achieving substantial compliance with various data privacy regulations.
Ms. Boquiren introduced the DP Council, its officers, and members composing the DP Council Congress. Formed through the NPC in August 2019, the DP Council serves as a consultative body, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among sectoral stakeholders. Ms. Boquiren expressed the DP Council's commitment to strengthening collaboration in the Mindanao region by establishing sectoral point persons. She stressed, “The DPOs will journey with the DPC and NPC in building a Philippines with a culture of privacy.”
The successful conclusion of the Data Privacy Roadshow in Davao City marks a significant step towards fostering a culture of data privacy awareness and compliance across the Philippines, emphasizing the importance of partnerships, leadership, and education in this critical endeavor.
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