November 14, 2025
PANABO CITY — Davao del Norte State College (DNSC) strengthened its commitment to digital security through an orientation on the Philippine National Public Key Infrastructure (PNPKI) held on November 11, 2025, from 8:00 AM – 12:00 NN, at the Audio-Visual Room (AVR).
Resource speakers Mark Dave T. Ponce and Ramielle Faith M. Cabanlit from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) discussed the role of PNPKI in ensuring secure and reliable online transactions. They explained that Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) supports encrypted and digitally signed communication, providing authentication, confidentiality, integrity, and non-repudiation. The session included a demonstration on how to download, install, and enroll a digital certificate, as well as a discussion on the use of Authentication and Signing Certificates for email encryption, client authentication, and document signing.
In her opening message, Dr. Reir Erlinda E. Cutad, Vice President for Administration and Finance, mentioned the importance of maintaining security standards in government processes. She highlighted Civil Service Commission Memorandum No. 5, Series of 2024, stating, “This directive authorizes appointing officers, including HRMO and HRMPSB chairpersons, to affix their digital certificates or signatures on appointment documents in accordance with PNPKI service. This policy underscores the growing integration of secure digital signatures in government processes.”
The DICT speakers also emphasized cyber safety, discussing common online threats such as malware, trojans, phishing, adware, viruses, and worms. They stressed the importance of regular device updates, antivirus maintenance, and avoiding modified or unofficial applications.
In her closing message, Dr. Melissa G. Dalumay, Director for Executive Affairs, reminded participants of their role in safeguarding digital information, stating, “Cyber threats are everywhere in this digital age… A secure digital environment starts with individual accountability.”
