In today’s fast-paced digital age, our lives are undeniably connected with technology, gadgets, and devices. As we embrace the conveniences and opportunities they offer, we must also be aware of the risks and responsibilities that come with dependence on the digital realm. This month’s Humanity Class for Tzu Chi Bohol scholars aimed to address this with the theme “Understanding Digital Dependency and Ensuring Online Safety,” which was held for two days on October 21 and 22. The event was conducted by cyber education experts from the leading global cybersecurity company, Trend Micro Incorporated. The speakers, Mr. Rodel Villarez – Cybersecurity Education Manager, Mr. Paolo Ronniel Labrador – Threat Researcher, and Ms. Mary Pauline Desembrana – Core Tech Trainer introduced the scholars to the world of cybersecurity, device protection, and the critical aspect of safeguarding digital data. With the increasing prevalence of cyber-related attacks on our devices, their insights have never been more essential.
Trend Micro Inc.’s Cybersecurity Education Manager, Mr. Rodel Villarez emphasized that while education stands at the heart of Tzu Chi’s mission, the fundamental pillar of efforts at Trend Micro is its dedication to educating individuals with the aim of fostering a secure global environment for the exchange of digital information.
Threat Researcher of Trend Micro Inc., Mr. Paolo Ronniel Labrador, generously shares his knowledge with the students and expertly addresses inquiries from the them.
Ms. Mary Pauline Desembrana, core tech trainer of Trend Micro Inc. shares her valuable insights with students.
As Mr. Villarez emphasized, “Education is one of Tzu Chi’s core values, and that is what Trend Micro is offering. We aim to educate people to create a world safe for exchanging digital information. We are also helping scholars align their knowledge with cybersecurity because we believe these scholars will be part of securing the digital world in the future.”
The smiles on the participants faces shows how engaged they are on the topic.
The participants of the Humanity Class were made to understand the extent of their dependency on digital technology and the internet in their daily lives. This experience was crucial in highlighting the importance of responsible digital usage. Moreover, it was an eye-opener to the potential risks associated with online activities, such as cyber threats, privacy breaches, and digital addiction. The scholars were encouraged to cultivate a digital well-being mindset, which helps maintain a healthy balance between their online and offline lives.
Renz Boyson, a senior studying computer engineering at BISU Main Campus, reflects on the knowledge he gained from Trend Micro Company’s teachings.
Renz Boyson, a fourth-year computer engineering student, shared his thoughts, “It’s very important for a computer engineering student like me to protect personal systems and data. This knowledge can help mitigate financial losses for people using different forms of money and secure emerging technologies. I hope that one day I will be one of those ‘trenders’ who will protect users’ identities.”
Jonna Mae Buyan, a first-year Information Technology student at BISU Balilihan campus, shares her insights on how the new learnings directly pertain to her chosen field of study.
Jonna Mae Buyan, a first-year Information Technology student, expressed her appreciation, “Today’s topic about cybersecurity is so helpful, especially since it is connected to my course. I learned a lot about different scams, viruses, and malware. It helps me to be mindful of what to do, especially when using social media.”
Mr. Rodel Villarez conducted an engaging Q&A session where he posed thought-provoking questions to scholars, and their enthusiastic participation was truly inspiring.
As the Humanity Class session concluded, Mr. Rodel Villarez left some inspiring words for the students, “Improve your fundamental knowledge of cybersecurity, and from there, everything will follow. But I believe that there are two things you need to incorporate: first, be a learner, seek new knowledge, and constantly try to improve yourself, and second, be happy to help, having the happiness in your heart to assist others”.
Tzu Chi Volunteer, Brother Joseph Co warmly commenced the session, underlining the invaluable role that Trend Micro Inc. plays in supporting the scholars of Tzu Chi Bohol.
This resonates with the teachings of Tzu Chi Foundation Founder, Dharma Master Cheng Yen wherein she emphasizes the importance of education and helping others. She promotes the idea of sharing knowledge and constant self-improvement as a means to benefit society. These students, armed with knowledge and a sense of duty, may indeed carry forward the principles of Dharma Master Cheng Yen and at the same time contribute to a safer and more secure digital environment.
