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Recognizing the growing importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital landscape, the Professional Engineering Training Division (PETD) of the UP National Engineering Center (NEC) successfully conducted its first Cybersecurity Training Program from 28 to 30 July 2026, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at workshop Room B, UP National Engineering Center, bringing together professionals from government agencies, educational institutions, and the private sector for a three-day learning experience focused on strengthening cybersecurity awareness and practical risk management. The training featured lectures, interactive workshops, discussions, and hands-on activities designed to make cybersecurity concepts applicable to everyday workplace operations rather than purely technical discussions. The three-day training brought together participants from various sectors, including the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), Bataan High School for the Arts, Department of Transportation – Philippine Railways Project Implementation Office (DOTr-PPRI), Eulogio Amang Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST), Our Lady of Fatima University, Prime Energy Resource Development, UP National Engineering Center (UP NEC), and the UP Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry (UP TCAGP). The diverse group of participants enriched the discussions by sharing their experiences and perspectives, highlighting that cybersecurity is relevant to every organization, regardless of industry. The training was conducted by Dr. Philip Christian C. Zuñiga, a faculty member of the Department of Computer Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Senior Member of the Computer Security Laboratory, and lead instructor for Introduction to Computer Security. His expertise in computer security, cybersecurity education, and data protection provided participants with practical insights into addressing today’s evolving cyber threats. The first day established a strong foundation by introducing the core concepts of workplace cybersecurity. Participants explored key principles such as information assets, threats, vulnerabilities, risks, incidents, and security controls, gaining a clearer understanding of how these elements work together to protect organizational information. Discussions emphasized that effective cybersecurity begins with awareness and that every employee has a role in safeguarding the organization’s digital and physical assets. Building on these fundamentals, the second day focused on office security and social engineering, where participants learned how cyber threats often exploit human behavior rather than technological weaknesses. Through practical examples and collaborative exercises, they examined common workplace risks, analyzed how vulnerabilities develop within organizational processes, and discussed appropriate controls that can help prevent security incidents before they occur. The sessions encouraged participants to think critically about risk management and apply cybersecurity principles to their respective work environments. The final day centered on incident reporting, data privacy, and cybersecurity frameworks, reinforcing the importance of recognizing and responding to security incidents promptly. Participants learned how to identify indicators of potential cybersecurity and data privacy incidents, distinguish routine operational issues from reportable incidents, preserve relevant evidence, and follow appropriate reporting procedures. The discussions underscored that timely reporting and coordinated response play a critical role in minimizing the impact of cybersecurity threats on organizations. Throughout the three-day program, participants actively engaged in discussions, workshops, and hands-on learning activities that enabled them to translate cybersecurity concepts into practical workplace applications. Beyond enhancing technical awareness, the training emphasized the importance of cultivating a culture of vigilance, accountability, and shared responsibility in protecting information systems and organizational data. The training also emphasized the importance of recognizing and reporting cybersecurity incidents at the earliest possible stage. Participants learned how to distinguish routine operational concerns from incidents requiring immediate attention, identify warning signs such as unauthorized access, suspicious account activities, and data exposure, and understand the importance of preserving evidence and following proper incident reporting procedures. These sessions reinforced that effective cybersecurity depends not only on technology but also on the vigilance and active participation of every member of an organization. As the first cybersecurity training program offered by PETD, the initiative marks an important milestone in UP NEC’s continuing efforts to provide relevant and responsive professional training programs. More importantly, it reflects the Center’s commitment to helping organizations build a culture of cybersecurity awareness and resilience by empowering professionals with practical knowledge that they can immediately apply in their workplaces.

Quezon City, Philippines – InfiniVAN Inc., in collaboration with the University of the Philippines (UP) National Engineering Center, officially launched LikásGPT—an AI-powered, locally attuned Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system—through a ceremonial MOA signing and press conference held on July 29, 2025, at the UP National Engineering Center, Diliman. In a packed venue filled with university leaders, government stakeholders, and members of the press, InfiniVAN Chairman Mr. Koji Miyashita delivered a message rooted in sincerity and purpose: “Helping customers in the Philippines can be challenging because of the many languages and dialects. With LikásGPT, we want to make sure every Filipino feels truly heard—wherever they are and however they speak.” Addressing Real Social Challenges in the Philippines The Philippines is home to over 186 regional languages in addition to Filipino and English. These linguistic divides have long hindered businesses from providing effective customer support, limiting access, feedback collection, and overall satisfaction—especially in underserved and multilingual regions. LikásGPT directly responds to these challenges. Built on Large Language Model (LLM) technology, the system allows companies to engage with customers more accurately, naturally, and efficiently, regardless of dialect or channel. It will support 12 local languages, aiming to cover over 90% of the Philippine population. Beyond translation, LikásGPT intelligently processes inquiries, offers context-aware, human-like responses, supports multi-channel communication (chat, email, SMS, social media), and integrates smoothly into existing CRM tools—all while analyzing interaction data for smarter business decisions. Unlocking Business Value Through Real Customer Understanding LikásGPT is not just a tech innovation—it is a strategic tool to help businesses meet the growing demand for faster, more meaningful customer experiences. By reducing wait times and enabling more relevant responses, companies can address concerns with greater speed and accuracy. Additionally, it allows organizations to gather valuable insights from customer feedback, which can be used to enhance existing products, discover new market opportunities, and craft more personalized offerings for each customer. Ultimately, these capabilities will enable companies to evolve more intelligently, strengthen customer trust, and contribute to a more competitive and innovative business landscape. In the bigger picture, this ripple effect can help uplift our economy and, in turn, improve the quality of life for Filipinos across all regions. Where AI Meets Identity: Protecting Culture One Conversation at a Time Unlike off-the-shelf AI tools, LikásGPT is being designed specifically for the Philippine market. According to Mr. Miyashita, this is part of InfiniVAN’s long-term vision to evolve “beyond infrastructure” and contribute to an AI-powered digital ecosystem that truly understands local needs. Dr. Eugene Rex L. Jalao, UP professor and project lead, underscored the importance of building solutions rooted in social responsiveness and regional diversity. With over 15 years of experience in business analytics, AI, and industrial engineering, Dr. Jalao and his team are instrumental in bringing this Filipino-first innovation to life. Also present were UP Diliman Chancellor Atty. Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II, NEC Executive Director Dr. Maria Antonia Tanchuling, InfiniVAN President Mr. Shigeki Nakahara, Naobumi Yokota, Minister for Economic Affairs at the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, and DTI-BOI Director Mary Ann Raganit, all of whom expressed support for the project’s contribution to national development. Redefining Customer Engagement to Drive Business Growth and Everyday Innovation Set for its Minimum Viable Product (MVP) release in December 2025, LikásGPT is poised to serve not just enterprises but a broader movement—bridging the digital divide, enabling smarter business practices, and creating inclusive digital services across regions. LikásGPT represents a new era of customer support experience—where every conversation becomes an opportunity to improve, innovate, and grow. It equips businesses with the ability to adapt faster, listen more deeply, and respond with empathy—all while extracting insights that fuel long-term value. By empowering companies to serve smarter, connect deeper, and operate more inclusively, LikásGPT has the potential to reshape how customer experience is delivered in the Philippines—from urban centers to remote provinces. It sets a new standard not just for AI adoption, but for how businesses and technology can work together to elevate lives, strengthen economies, and preserve cultural identity. Through this initiative, InfiniVAN boldly expands its mission beyond connectivity—emerging as a trailblazer in digital transformation, committed to building a future where technology not only works—but truly understands.