NPC and DP Council empower DPOs through Capacity Building and Leadership Training
In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of a digitally secure and innovation-driven Philippines, the National Privacy Commission (NPC), in coordination with the Data Privacy Council (DP Council), successfully held the inaugural of the DP Council Summit: Leadership Training 2025 on 29-30 April 2025 at the Plaza Lodge, Baguio City.
The two-day summit brought together Data Protection Officers (DPOs) who are leading the twenty-eight DP Sectoral Councils from across the country, to build essential leadership skills and reinforce the implementation of the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (DPA). The program featured practical strategies on data protection, risk management, and compliance, tailored to the evolving roles of DPOs in the country.
Privacy Commissioner Atty. John Henry D. Naga delivered the keynote address, commending the DP Council Executive Committee and NPC Sectoral Engagement Committee for their commitment to strengthening the country’s data privacy landscape through collaborative leadership and capacity-building initiatives.
“DPOs are our frontliners in strengthening the culture of privacy within every organization. Equipping them with both advanced technical expertise and strong leadership abilities is imperative to effectively champion data protection, ensure regulatory compliance, and build lasting trust with stakeholders and the public. Our shared commitment is to empower them so that they can lead decisively in safeguarding personal information,” stated Privacy Commissioner Naga.”
The summit included discussions that equipped the DP Council Congress with the necessary knowledge and skills to strengthen their role as counterparts of the NPC within their organizations. Atty. Anna Benjieline R. Puzon-De Peralta, Attorney IV, Compliance and Monitoring Division, NPC, discussed the processes and mechanisms in the conduct of Compliance Checks. She stressed the significance of data accountability, transparency, and organizational readiness in light of rising data breach incidents in the Philippines.
Atty. Maria Theresita E. Patula, Director IV, Legal and Enforcement Office, NPC, shared her expertise on complaints handling and investigation processes. Atty. Patula offered an in-depth walkthrough of the NPC’s breach investigation process.
Rounding out the NPC’s roster of speakers, Deputy Privacy Commissioner Atty. Jose Amelito Sutton Belarmino II delivered an insightful presentation on the shifting landscape of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and data privacy.
To further capacitate the DP Council Congress, a comprehensive leadership training was facilitated by a renowned leadership coach. The session focused on enhancing the strategic influence of DPOs, which will support them in aligning privacy goals with business strategies and in capturing executive support to build a privacy-first culture within organizations.
Reflecting on the summit's success, DP Council President Gelalyn V. Boquiren stated, “This summit is a milestone in empowering the DP Council Congress to lead with influence and purpose, reinforcing our commitment to raising privacy standards across all industries.”
The DP Council, in cooperation with the NPC, is already gearing up for another series of training programs for 2025, aimed at further deepening the understanding and implementation of privacy frameworks among DPOs and organizations nationwide.
For inquiries, contact [email protected].
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