USAID launches PHP16.8M cyber initiative for PH human rights groups

The United States is funding a PHP16.8-million initiative to enhance cybersecurity capabilities for Philippine human rights organizations, aiming to protect them from threats such as doxing and phishing.

USAID, in collaboration with The Asia Foundation, launched the Cybersecurity for Human Rights in the Philippines (C4HR-PH) program, which will provide tools and training to over 150 local organizations nationwide for more than ten months.

The initiative includes risk management, digital security assessments, and cybersecurity protocol trainings such as multi-factor authentication and regular data backups.

Sheila Formento of the Alternative Law Groups welcomed this partnership, emphasizing its importance for protecting human rights defenders from cyberattacks.

USAID Philippines Acting Mission Director Rebekah Eubanks highlighted that cyber resilience is crucial for ensuring democracy defenders can operate without fear of digital interference.

Other government agencies are also building the Philippines' cybersecurity; for example, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) launched Protecta Fintech to bolster the protection of the country's digital financial ecosystem.