16/07/2026
๐๐ผ๐น๐ ๐๐ป๐ด๐ฒ๐น ๐จ๐ป๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐๐ ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ ๐ถ๐ป ๐ก๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ฎ๐น ๐๐๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ ๐๐๐ฟ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฐ๐๐น๐๐บ ๐๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐น๐ผ๐ฝ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐ง๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ป๐ถ๐ป๐ด
Angeles City, Philippines โ Holy Angel University (HAU), through its School of Computing, participated in the Cybersecurity Capacity Enhancement Training on Developing the Philippine Cybersecurity Curriculum Based on the NIST NICE Framework, a three-day seminar-workshop hosted by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and facilitated by experts from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The exclusive training brought together invited higher education institutions from across the Philippines to collaboratively strengthen cybersecurity education and support the development of a nationally aligned cybersecurity curriculum.
Representing Holy Angel University were Dr. Marlon I. Tayag, Dean of the School of Computing, and Mr. Kevin Espinosa, Head of the Holy Angel University Learning Management System (LMS). Their participation highlights the University's commitment to continuously enhancing its cybersecurity programs and ensuring that its graduates are equipped with competencies aligned with international standards and industry needs.
The three-day seminar-workshop focused on building the capacity of higher education institutions to develop and enhance cybersecurity curricula using globally recognized frameworks and best practices. Participants were introduced to the fundamentals of curriculum development, including Outcome-Based Education (OBE), Bloom's Taxonomy, Constructive Alignment, and effective curriculum design methodologies. The training also featured a case study on the ACM/IEEE Computer Science Curricula (CS2023), demonstrating how international curriculum models can be adapted to support modern cybersecurity education.
A major component of the training centered on the NIST National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Workforce Framework Version 2. Participants gained a deeper understanding of cybersecurity workforce roles, competencies, and the associated Knowledge, Skills, and Tasks (KST/TKS) that define the capabilities expected of cybersecurity professionals. The framework provides a structured approach for aligning academic programs with workforce demands, ensuring that graduates are prepared for the evolving cybersecurity landscape.
Complementing the NICE Framework, the training also emphasized the Security Body of Knowledge (SecBoK) as a comprehensive guide for curriculum content development. Participants explored how SecBoK organizes cybersecurity knowledge into well-defined domains covering technical, governance, risk management, legal, and human-centered aspects of cybersecurity. By integrating the competency-based approach of the NICE Framework with the knowledge domains of SecBoK, universities can design curricula that balance practical workforce skills with a strong academic foundation.
The final day of the seminar-workshop featured the presentation of the proposed Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Curriculum developed by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). The proposed curriculum, designed around the NIST NICE Framework and SecBoK, was presented for review and validation by the participating universities. The session was also attended by invited representatives from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), who joined academic leaders and cybersecurity experts in evaluating the proposed curriculum. Participants provided constructive feedback and recommendations to further strengthen the curriculum, ensuring that it aligns with international standards while addressing the needs of Philippine higher education and the country's growing cybersecurity workforce.
During the workshop, DICT and JICA recognized Holy Angel University as one of the country's leading institutions in cybersecurity education. The organizers commended the School of Computing for establishing its own Cyber Range and Security Operations Center (SOC)โrecognized during the training as the first university-based Cyber Range and Security Operations Center in the Philippines. These facilities provide students with immersive, hands-on learning experiences in cyber defense, incident response, digital forensics, threat hunting, and security operations, demonstrating HAU's commitment to experiential learning and workforce readiness.
The seminar concluded with discussions on the next steps toward establishing a nationally recognized Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity curriculum through the continued collaboration of DICT, JICA, CHED, and higher education institutions. This collaborative initiative represents an important milestone in developing a standardized, industry-responsive cybersecurity education framework for the Philippines.
Dr. Tayag emphasized that the knowledge and insights gained from the training will significantly contribute to the continuous enhancement of Holy Angel University's cybersecurity programs. As the School of Computing continues to align its curricula with international frameworks, industry certifications, and emerging technologies, participation in this national initiative further reinforces its commitment to producing globally competitive cybersecurity professionals.
Through its participation in this DICT-JICA initiative, Holy Angel University reaffirms its commitment to advancing cybersecurity education by adopting internationally recognized frameworks such as the NIST NICE Workforce Framework and SecBoK. Together with its pioneering Cyber Range and Security Operations Center, the University continues to lead in preparing future cybersecurity professionals who possess the knowledge, competencies, and practical experience needed to protect organizations and critical infrastructures in an increasingly digital world.
