LOOK | NEUST welcomes Region III cyber talents for HackForGov 2026

The Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) is hosting HackForGov 2026: Region III today, October 20, bringing together student participants from higher education institutions across Central Luzon to test their cybersecurity skills and promote a safer digital Philippines.

Spearheaded by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the competition gathers 10 participating institutions across Region III: Bulacan State University, City College of Angeles, Columbian College Inc., Dominican College of Tarlac, Holy Angel University, La Verdad Christian College, NEUST, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College of Guimba, Inc., Polytechnic College of Botolan, and Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) – Sta. Maria Campus.

In his message, Engr. Antonio Edward Padre, Regional Director of DICT Region III, expressed his appreciation for NEUST’s continued partnership and support in advancing cybersecurity awareness and digital security initiatives.

Padre described the competition as a “makabagong laro ng kabataan,” where students can demonstrate their technical skills and competitive spirit while fostering collaboration and contributing to the country’s digital security.

NEUST Chief Information Officer and Management Information System Director Dr. Marlon Torres welcomed the participating institutions and expressed enthusiasm for the growing interest of students. 

Torres also highlighted NEUST’s participation with two teams, marking the university’s first entry in HackForGov.

NEUST President Dr. Rhodora Jugo also graced the event, welcoming the delegates and DICT officials and reaffirming the university’s support for initiatives that promote digital literacy, cybersecurity awareness, and the development of future-ready professionals.

The competition provides a platform for young innovators to sharpen their technical skills, think critically, and collaborate in addressing challenges in digital defense.

HackForGov is an annual nationwide cybersecurity competition organized by the DICT’s Cybersecurity Bureau through the Philippine National Computer Emergency Response Team (NCERT). Following the Capture-the-Flag (CTF) format, the competition features technical challenges that test participants’ knowledge of ethical hacking, information security, and cybersecurity.

Through this initiative, students are encouraged to develop the skills needed to identify digital threats, protect information, and contribute to a more secure digital environment.

The Regional Champion will advance to the National Finals, while outstanding individual performers may be considered for a wildcard opportunity.

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