May 7, 2024 – In a concerted effort to bolster defenses against digital threats, Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT) played host to Project ACUITY (Anti-Cybercrime Upskilling Initiative for Community), a collaborative endeavor between the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) and the Cybercrime Investigation Coordinating Center (CICC).

ASCOT Information Technology Officer I, Mr. Godfrey Gudoy, and supported by the School of Information Technology under the guidance of Dean Mayreen Amazona, the initiative drew the active participation of faculty, staff, and students alike.

Resource Speakers from CICC, including Christian Salazar, Justerreene Pamaloan, Jan Cesar Valenton, Kiel Jan Peralta, Mark Navarro, and Frederico Dunuan, alongside Engr. Ravenal De Jesus and Ms. Roma Herminigildo from DICT-Aurora, the initiative aimed to arm the community with the requisite knowledge and skills to fend off cyber threats.

“Sa tulong ng DICT at CICC, ang ASCOT students ay mas magiging malalim ang kaalaman at handang humarap sa mga hamon ng cyber attack.” – Godfrey Gudoy

The session delved into a range of topics, with a focus on Cyber Hygiene, which included discussions on pivotal legislation such as RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012), RA 11930 (Anti-OSAFC and CSAEM Act), RA 11313 (Safe Spaces Act), and RA 10174 (Data Privacy Act). Participants were empowered with knowledge about their rights and equipped with strategies to proactively prepare for and report cyber incidents.