MTIT Educates Youth on Cybercrime and Banknote Security
COTABATO CITY (April 4, 2025) — The Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism (MTIT) organized a forum on cybercrime awareness and the security features of the new Philippine polymer banknotes for students at Notre Dame Village National High School on April 3, 2025. This event was held in collaboration with the Philippine National Police Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PNP RACU-BAR) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). The forum aimed to educate students about the risks of cybercrime and how to identify counterfeit banknotes.
Hussein B. Biruar, Director of the Bureau of Trade and Industry (BTI), emphasized that the objectives of the forum were to defend consumers’ rights, promote trust in e-commerce, and inform attendees about the dangers of cybercrime and how to prevent it. He highlighted that frequent internet users, such as young people, are particularly vulnerable to scams and cybercrime, which can have significant negative effects.
Both MTIT and PNP RACU-BAR acknowledged the growing risks posed by cybercrime, which not only threaten the digital economy but also contribute to the rise of counterfeit currency.
In a discussion on cybercrime prevention and threat identification strategies, James Michael Camad, Chief Investigator at PNCO Police Corporal, encouraged participants to share their relevant experiences.
Representatives from the BSP, including Zarinah Aligsao, Acting Area Director of the Cotabato Branch, and Jherus De Guia, Bank Officer, presented the design elements of the First Philippine Polymer (FPP) Banknote Series. They also instructed participants on how to verify the authenticity of potentially counterfeit FPP banknotes by examining their security features.
Through this forum, MTIT demonstrated its commitment to equipping consumers—especially young people—with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate the digital world safely.
The ministry and its partners continue to enhance consumer protection and promote a more resilient and secure Bangsamoro economy by increasing awareness of cybersecurity and financial literacy. (USM OJT Student: Bai Onamayda P. Dilanggalen, BMN/Bangsamoro Today)
