Meralco’s Wavemaker Turns Educators into Cybersecurity Leaders

By empowering teachers with essential cybersecurity knowledge, Meralco’s latest initiative strengthens digital resilience in schools, preparing the next generation for a safer online environment.

Recognizing the critical role of educators in shaping the digital habits of students, Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has launched Wavemaker, a cybersecurity awareness program designed to equip teachers with foundational digital safety skills. Spearheaded by Meralco’s Cyber Security Group (CSG) and its social development arm, One Meralco Foundation (OMF), the initiative aims to transform educators into cybersecurity advocates who can seamlessly integrate digital safety principles into classroom learning.

The pilot session, conducted in partnership with the Department of Education – National Capital Region (DepEd NCR) and the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), trained 60 public high school teachers in cyber threat awareness, responsible digital citizenship, and cyberattack response strategies. Leading the session was DepEd Assistant Secretary for Operations Jocelyn DR. Andaya, who underscored the importance of preparing educators for the growing risks of cyber threats in schools. She emphasized that as technology continues to shape education, teachers must understand cybersecurity issues and become proactive in addressing them.

“We hope to replicate this so that more and more teachers will understand the threats to cybersecurity. It is here. It is happening. We just have to be made aware of it so that we know what to do,” Andaya stated during the program’s launch.

The session also featured PNP-NCR Cyber Response Unit and Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit Police Colonel Jay Guillermo, who discussed law enforcement initiatives aimed at combating cybercrimes. He urged educators to increase awareness in schools and to actively report cyber incidents to authorities. Participants learned how to identify cyber threats, recognize common online scams, and implement best practices for responsible digital citizenship. They were also introduced to strategies for preventing cyberattacks within school systems and explored the career opportunities available in cybersecurity.

Meralco’s Chief Information Security Officer Marilene P. Tayag described Wavemaker as more than just an awareness program, calling it a movement to create a nationwide culture of cybersecurity awareness. She stressed that cybersecurity should be a shared responsibility, with teachers playing a crucial role in shaping digitally responsible students. “We aspire to a future where Filipino cybersecurity professionals are recognized globally,” Tayag said. “This vision cannot be realized without empowering our teachers because they are the key to unlocking this potential. They are the force multipliers and the ideal ambassadors for cybersecurity.”

Looking ahead, Meralco plans to conduct quarterly cybersecurity training sessions for teachers across its franchise areas, with the long-term goal of expanding the program nationwide. The initiative reflects the company’s belief that cybersecurity is a community effort—one that requires active participation from educators to foster a safer digital learning environment.

Meralco Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Ronnie L. Aperocho reinforced this message, emphasizing that cybersecurity should not be confined to IT professionals but should extend to those who influence young minds every day. “The Meralco Wavemaker program sends a strong message: cybersecurity is a community effort. We need partners to drive this forward, and with the inherent role of teachers as mentors and role models for students, they are the best partners in pushing this advocacy.”

As cyber threats continue to evolve, Meralco’s Wavemaker initiative positions Filipino educators at the forefront of digital safety, ensuring that future generations grow up in a more secure and cyber-aware learning environment. By equipping teachers with essential cybersecurity skills, Meralco is paving the way for a future where schools serve as strongholds of digital resilience.