NPC Philippines Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Data Privacy Protection

The NPC celebrates 10 years of protecting data privacy of every Filipino

March 3, 2026 8:11 PM Last Edit: March 3rd, 2026

MARCH 2026 - The National Privacy Commission (NPC) opens the month in celebration of its 10th anniversary in March 2026 with a short program highlighting the Commission’s key achievements. The NPC invited its first Privacy Commissioner and Chairperson, Raymund E. Liboro, to deliver a speech reflecting on the NPC’s journey.

Former Privacy Commissioner Liboro reflected on the NPC’s enduring mission: “Institutions endure not because of personalities but because of principles. That principle is that every Filipino’s right to privacy must be defended in this digital age. The NPC must remain at the forefront of protecting Filipino dignity—without fear, without favor, and without compromise.”

The Commission was constituted on March 7, 2016, pursuant to the Data Privacy Act (DPA) of 2012, following the oath-taking of its first Privacy Commissioner and Chairman, Raymund E. Liboro, and Deputy Privacy Commissioners, Atty. Ivy D. Patdu and Mr. Damian Domingo O. Mapa.

Over the past decade, the NPC has strengthened regulatory frameworks, empowered data subjects, and partnered with stakeholders across government, industry, and civil society to foster a culture of privacy and accountability.

A Decade of Milestones

Since its establishment, the NPC has issued policies and guidance to support compliance with the DPA. These include rules on consent, legitimate interest, data breach notification, and the processing of personal data across various sectors.

To support compliance and accountability, the NPC launched key digital systems such as the NPC Registration System (NPCRS) and the Data Breach Notification Management System (DBNMS). These systems have streamlined the registration of data processing systems and the reporting of personal data breaches.

The NPC also introduced the NPC Seal of Registration, now displayed by thousands of registered entities. The seal serves as a visible sign that an organization has complied with its registration requirements with the NPC.

At the international level, the Philippines further strengthened its presence in the global privacy community when the NPC served as the first fee-funded Secretariat of the Global Privacy Assembly.

Moving forward

The anniversary of the NPC is being observed under the leadership of Privacy Commissioner Atty. Johann Carlos S. Barcena, CESO III.

“As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the NPC, we reaffirm our commitment to champion privacy, protect personal data, and uphold public trust in the country’s digital ecosystem. The next decade calls for stronger collaboration, responsive regulation, and citizen-focused innovation,” Privacy Commissioner Barcena said.

“With emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and cross-border data flows reshaping the digital landscape, the NPC will continue working to ensure that innovation advances alongside accountability and respect for privacy,” he added.

As the NPC marks ten years of service, it calls on all personal information controllers, personal information processors, government agencies, and citizens to continue working together toward a secure and privacy-respecting digital Philippines.

The Commission likewise recognizes the contributions of its past and present officials, including former Privacy Commissioners Raymund E. Liboro, Atty. John Henry D. Naga, former Deputy Privacy Commissioners Atty. Ivy D. Patdu, Damian Domingo O. Mapa, Atty. Leandro Angelo Y. Aguirre, Atty. Dug Christopher B. Mah, Atty. Nerissa N. De Jesus, and Deputy Privacy Commissioners Atty. Jose Amelito S. Belarmino II and Atty. Juan Paolo F. Fajardo.