Industry Leaders and Regulators Unite to Tackle AI and Cybersecurity at GRC PH Conclave
The Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) PH Conclave convened on January 17, 2025, marking a significant milestone as the first-ever event of its kind in the Philippines. Held at Dusit Thani Manila Hotel, the Conclave gathered over 150 organizations from various sectors, including IT, Banking, Finance Services and Insurance (BFSI), Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), and E-commerce, to address the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity threats.
Insights from Keynote Speakers
Salil Sankaran, President of Ampcus Group, set the tone for the event, emphasizing the importance of ethical growth and sustainability.
“It is not only our responsibility to grow our magnitude, but we will make sure that we do it ethically, with utmost integrity, and sustainability as the goal,” Sankaran stated.
Robert Sanchez Paguia of the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) highlighted practical steps to safeguard against cyber threats, such as keeping software updated, using strong passwords, and avoiding suspicious links. He also warned of the devastating consequences of data breaches, stating,
“Most companies that suffer from attacks or data breaches… cannot recover anymore. They go bankrupt.”
Government’s Role in Cybersecurity
DICT Undersecretary Jeffrey Ian Dy underscored the rising threats posed by AI-driven cyber-attacks, revealing that the agency monitors 1.7 to 2 million threats monthly. He stressed the urgent need for stronger defenses as the barrier to launching cyber-attacks has significantly decreased.
Fintech Leaders Address Challenges and Opportunities
Prominent figures from the fintech and banking sectors—John Patrick Lita (ING), Carlos Tengkiat (RCBC), Lawrence Ferrer (CIS Bayad Center), and Marlon Sorongon (Maybank Philippines)—delved into the growing sophistication of scams and phishing schemes in the Philippines.
Tengkiat noted AI’s potential to detect fraud and guide investment decisions but urged companies to pair AI with human oversight.
“We should temper AI with human knowledge,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lita shared that banks are leveraging AI to streamline repetitive tasks, ensuring operational efficiency while meeting specific business needs.
Spotlight on Women in Cybersecurity and AI
A dedicated panel showcased the contributions of women pioneers in cybersecurity and AI, featuring Mel Migrino (President, WiSAP), Majorie Labindao (AltPaynet), and Arlene Romasanta (Department of Natural Resources).
Migrino highlighted the importance of addressing gender biases in AI systems, while Labindao stressed the need to stay informed as technology evolves, regardless of gender.
“Keep yourself updated,” she advised, noting the rapid pace of change in ICT and AI adoption.
Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla-Taborlupa of the Armed Forces of the Philippines emphasized the role of women in national cybersecurity efforts, stating,
“Cybersecurity is a strategic concept of national security.”
The Path Forward
The GRC PH Conclave 2025 underscored the importance of trust and collaboration between companies, regulators, and customers. Deep Chanda, Ampcus Cyber Chief Officer, reinforced this theme, stating,
“Companies today cannot just sit in one closed room and talk about security. These events are the best place to unite, share thoughts, and explore next-gen solutions.”
With AI and cybersecurity at the forefront of technological advancement, the Conclave emphasized the need for proactive strategies, robust compliance frameworks, and collective action to secure the Philippines’ digital future.
