Recent Catanduanes visitor Undersecretary Jeffrey Ian C. Dy of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has been honored as the “Pride of Catanduanes” by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for his outstanding contributions to the ICT field and leadership in advancing the Philippines’ digital infrastructure.
Through a resolution passed during its session last week, the provincial board said that Dy, a distinguished son of Catanduanes, has played a pivotal role in enhancing the country’s cyber defenses, improving nationwide connectivity, and supporting ICT literacy by helping secure funding for these initiatives from the World Bank and Overseas Development Assistance (ODA).
Sponsored by Provincial Board Member Joselito T. Alberto, the measure recognized his academic achievements, professional certifications, and successful career spanning over 20 years, commending his commitment to excellence and bringing honor to his roots in the island province.
Dy grew up in Metro Manila where he was raised by his mother, Zeny Tosoc Cardano of Cagraray, Bato, and his late father, Alexander K. Dy of Manila.
After getting his Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Physics from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, he secured his Master of Science degree in Information Security from Royal Holloway at the University of London.
Aside from several prestigious professional certifications such as ISO 27001 Lead Implementer and Certified Project Management Professional, he is among the few hundred worldwide with the title Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
Throughout his career, Dy has held various key positions, including Deputy Commissioner for the Information Systems and Technology Group at the Bureau of Customs and Executive Director at the Information and Communications Technology Office.
As the current DICT Undersecretary for Connectivity, Cyber Security, and Upskilling, he has spearheaded initiatives in fortifying the National Cybersecurity framework, contributing to the economic and technological advancement of the country, and uplifting the ICT sector to new heights, PBM Alberto remarked.
During his message at the “Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat” at the Capitol Dome marking the birthday celebration of Pres. Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., Usec. Dy admitted that although he cannot speak the local dialect, he can still understand most of it.
He said he loves to eat everything “ginataan,” obviously thanks to the cooking of his mother who was born at the coastal village of Cagraray which has just over 150 households and about 700 residents.
The DICT official disclosed that he was part of top government officials instructed to fan out to the provinces to oversee all of government giving the people the services they deserve, with those present at the dome provided with rice seeds from the Department of Agriculture, P4 million under the TUPAD cash-for-work program, scholarships from TESDA and cheap basic commodities courtesy of DTI, along with a jobs fair at the capitol lobby.
Dy bared that next year, the DICT is expanding the free WiFi program in public schools here from 89 to 250, along with barangay halls and plazas.
To address the difficulties in telecommunications in Catanduanes brought by non-availability or substandard internet service, the DICT will finish under its National Broadband Plan the microwave radio facility that will focus WiFi signals from a tower in Tabaco City to the island.
This is part of the department’s drive not only to improve telecommunications, especially during calamities, but also internet bandwidth connectivity to all national government offices.
Dy’s office at the department also received complaints regarding scams perpetrated on citizens through the use of e-wallets like Gcash and Paymaya as well as on Facebook.