Bravo Filipino | Copperstone Lending Supports National Cybersecurity Efforts at CyberConvergence 2026
Financial services company joins government, technology experts, educators, and students in advancing a whole-of-nation approach to a safer digital Philippines.
MAKATI CITY, Philippines, October 20, 2026 — Copperstone Lending Inc. reaffirmed its commitment to digital consumer protection by participating as a co-sponsor of CyberConvergence 2026, a cybersecurity summit that brought together government agencies, law enforcement officials, private-sector organizations, academic institutions, and students at the University of Makati’s UMak Performing Arts Theatre.
Held under the theme “A Whole-of-Nation Approach in Building a Resilient Cyberspace,” the event emphasized the importance of coordinated action in addressing increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, including online scams, digital impersonation, and financial fraud.
For Copperstone Lending, participation in the summit reflects the growing responsibility of financial services providers to help protect consumers in an increasingly digital economy.
Copperstone Lending Joins Cross-Sector Cybersecurity Initiative
CyberConvergence 2026 opened with welcome remarks from Dean Joel Mangaba of the University of Makati’s College of Computer and Information Sciences (CCIS), followed by an inspirational message from Angel T. Redoble, chairman and founding president of the Philippine Cybersecurity Professionals Society (PICSPro).
The keynote address was delivered by PMGEN Andre P. Dizon, acting director of the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG). His presentation, “The State of Philippine Cyber Security: Building National Resilience Through a Whole-of-Nation Approach,” underscored the need for government, industry, academe, and citizens to work together against cybercrime.
The gathering highlighted a central challenge facing the digital economy: cybersecurity cannot depend on technology or any single organization alone. Effective protection also requires public awareness, information sharing, responsible business practices, and cooperation among stakeholders.
Digital Fraud Prevention Is a Shared Responsibility
The summit’s opening plenary explored the country’s cybersecurity environment and the emerging risks confronting digital users.
PCOL Jay D. Guillermo, chief of the PNP-ACG Investigation Division, presented “Emerging Cyber Threats 2026.” Redoble also discussed cyber-enabled cognitive grooming, which examines how online manipulation can influence people’s perceptions, trust, and decisions.
These issues are particularly relevant to digital financial services, where fraudsters may exploit familiar company names, counterfeit applications, and misleading promotions to deceive consumers.
For legitimate lending businesses, the challenge extends beyond maintaining secure systems. Customers must also be able to recognize official platforms and distinguish authentic communications from fraudulent attempts to obtain their money or personal information.
Copperstone CEO Highlights Verification and Consumer Awareness
During the morning plenary, Copperstone CEO David Balamon shared his perspective on cybersecurity in the online lending environment.
Balamon emphasized that informed consumers are an important part of the country’s cyber defenses. While technological safeguards remain essential, people also need practical knowledge to recognize suspicious messages, verify digital platforms, and avoid sharing sensitive information with unverified sources.
“Before you click a link, download an app, or share your personal details, stop and verify. Check if the source is legitimate, confirm it through official channels, and never take a message, offer, or promotion at face value,” Balamon said.
He also highlighted the importance of collaboration among companies, regulators, and law enforcement agencies in identifying threats and responding to fraudulent activities.
CyberConvergence 2026 Advances Practical Cyber Defense
The afternoon program focused on organizational preparedness and practical cybersecurity measures.
Engineers from ATRA led a Cybersecurity Challenge, while Engr. Jeanne Manrique presented the Enterprise Security Risk Assessment Program (ESRAP). Engr. Justine Kyle Alitao discussed end-to-end cyber defense, and John Rey Liwaliw of PICSPro-La Union explored how cybersecurity extends beyond technology to include people, behavior, and organizational culture.
A sponsor panel discussion, “Whole-of-Nation Cyber Security: From Strategy to Action,” examined how private-sector participation can help translate cybersecurity strategies into practical measures.
The event also recognized cybersecurity leadership in the public sector, academe, and student community. It concluded with the adoption of the CyberConvergence 2026 Declaration, titled “A Whole-of-Nation Commitment to Building a Resilient Cyberspace,” and a commitment ceremony.
Copperstone joined fellow co-sponsors Fortinet, VSTECS Phils., Maya, PDAX, Sekuro, GCash, and UCCSI in supporting the initiative.
Responsible Lending Includes Digital Consumer Protection
Copperstone’s participation reflects its position that responsible financial services should include efforts to help consumers navigate digital risks.
The company encourages the public to verify lending applications, messages, and promotions before transacting, use its official verified channels, and report suspicious platforms or communications claiming to represent Copperstone.
As online financial services continue to evolve, cooperation between the private sector, government, and consumers remains important to building trust and strengthening cybersecurity awareness across the Philippines.
CyberConvergence 2026 was a cybersecurity summit held at the University of Makati under the theme “A Whole-of-Nation Approach in Building a Resilient Cyberspace.” It brought together law enforcement, industry representatives, cybersecurity professionals, educators, and students.
Note: Consumers should verify applications and company communications through official channels, avoid suspicious links, protect personal information, and report suspected impersonation or fraudulent promotions.
