“Data is the new oil.” In today’s digital economy, data has become one of the most valuable resources for organizations and institutions. Businesses, government agencies, and professionals increasingly rely on data to guide decisions, improve services, and drive innovation. As more aspects of our personal and professional lives become interconnected, the responsibility to protect the personal data we collect and process has never been more important. Understanding how to properly manage and safeguard this information is now a critical skill for organizations and individuals alike.

Since January 2022, the Center for Research and Communication (CRC) of the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) has been offering the Data Protection Officer (DPO) Foundational Course, a program designed to provide participants with practical knowledge and a strong foundation in data privacy and protection. Participants who attend at least three (3) out of the four (4) lecture days are awarded a Certificate of Completion, while those who successfully pass the CRC DPO Assessment Examination receive a Certification of Recognition.

To date, CRC has trained almost 500 DPO Foundational Course graduates coming from local government units (LGUs), national government agencies (NGAs), and various industries such as banking, law, healthcare, information technology, business process outsourcing, food and beverage manufacturing, and the academe. This diverse group of participants reflects the growing recognition across sectors that responsible data governance is essential in today’s digital environment.

As the research and communication arm of the UA&P, CRC brings with it more than 50 years of experience in research, policy engagement, and partnership development across different industries. Our approach to the DPO course goes beyond simply understanding the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (DPA). We place strong emphasis on how organizations can practically implement data protection measures and integrate privacy into their day-to-day operations. Through our programs, participants gain the knowledge and tools needed not only to comply with the law, but also to build stronger and more secure data management systems within their organizations.

We also recognize that the digital economy continues to create new professional opportunities. The DPO Foundational Course is particularly valuable for individuals who wish to pursue careers in data privacy and protection, including roles such as Data Protection Officer, Privacy Compliance Officer, and related positions. At the same time, the course is equally beneficial for employees whose work involves handling or processing personal data. In reality, data protection is no longer the responsibility of a single department, it is a shared responsibility across the entire organization.

Beyond the DPO Foundational Course, CRC also provides a range of research, consultancy, and training services designed to support organizations in strengthening their capabilities and addressing evolving business challenges. Our institution works with a wide network of experts across key sectors such as infrastructure and industry, energy, transportation and logistics, food and agribusiness, health and wellness, digital technology and analytics, and education. Through these partnerships, CRC delivers customized solutions in design thinking, data analytics, insights generation, and partnership development.

Our team can assist organizations in areas ranging from business feasibility studies and data privacy compliance to professional training and organizational capacity building. We also provide specialized services such as Privacy Impact Assessments (PIA), Privacy Management Program development, Incident and Breach Management frameworks, and customized data privacy workshops tailored to specific organizational needs. In addition, CRC can conduct Pre-Screening Checks or Privacy Scanners, which serve as initial assessments to determine whether an organization’s systems and processes comply with the requirements of the Data Privacy Act.

Through these initiatives, CRC remains committed to helping organizations build stronger data governance practices, foster a culture of privacy and accountability, and remain competitive in an increasingly data-driven world.

Training Schedule
April 16, 17, 23, 24, & 30, 2026

Course Fee
Php 40,000.00

Course Description

The Data Protection Officer (DPO) Foundational Course is a 36-hour interactive, instructor-led training program designed to provide participants with a solid foundation in data privacy and protection. The course combines expert-led discussions with comprehensive learning materials developed by subject matter experts. Participants will also engage in intensive writeshops, where they gain practical experience in preparing key data privacy documents such as Privacy Impact Assessments, Privacy Notices, and Advisory Opinions, among others. The program follows relevant international standards, including ISO frameworks, and serves as an important first step for individuals who wish to pursue or strengthen their role as a Data Protection Officer.

To evaluate the knowledge gained throughout the training, an assessment examination administered by the Center for Research and Communication will be conducted on the afternoon of the 5th day of the program. The examination is designed to measure participants’ competencies based on the DPO Body of Knowledge, with focus on the following areas:

       1. The Data Privacy Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10173) and its Implementing Rules and Regulations

       2. The fundamental principles of data protection, including the “what,” “why,” and “how” of  implementing effective data security within organizations

       3. The duties, roles, responsibilities, and accountability of a Data Protection Officer

       4. The organizational accountability in protecting information assets, particularly personal data entrusted by stakeholders

Participants who attend at least three (3) out of the four lecture days will receive a Certificate of Completion. Those who successfully pass the CRC DPO Assessment Examination will be awarded a Certificate of Recognition. This certification recognizes the participant’s readiness to apply the core principles of data privacy and protection in professional practice.

Course Delivery
The lectures will be conducted online via Zoom.

Instructors

Atty. Jpee Hernandez is a lawyer, Certified Information Privacy Manager  (CIPM) by the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) and privacy advocate, Atty. Jpee graduated with a degree in Political Science from De La Salle University in 2009 and obtained Juris Doctor degree in 2017 from Lyceum of the Philippines College of Law-Makati.

His extensive experience in the field of data privacy includes working as compliance assistant with multi-national companies and working as chief-of-staff for one of the pioneer deputy commissioners of the National Privacy Commission.  He currently works as the Data Protection Officer and Deputy Corporate Governance head and an Assistant Vice President of a universal bank in the Philippines.

 

Atty. Karl John Baquiran is a Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM) by the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) which is the largest and most comprehensive global information privacy community and resource responsible for developing and launching the only globally recognized credentialing programs in information privacy. He has about 20 years work experience in varying capacities in both the government and private sector particularly handling information technology, academe, financial and health operations. He is a former member of the Data Security and Compliance Office of the National Privacy Commission. He has been a resource speaker during awareness seminars, briefings and workshops involving compliance with Data Privacy regulations. He was recognized as an Accredited Privacy Trainer by the Commission under its Training-the-Trainers Program (T3P). Currently, he is conducting his private practices and serves as a consultant for the  Data Protection Office of a higher educational institution, while also being involved in the compliance of several organizations with Data Privacy and Protection laws and regulations.

 

Who can enroll?

This course is recommended for individuals who aspire to become Data Protection Officers, pursue a career in data privacy, or develop a basic understanding of data protection principles. It is particularly beneficial for professionals whose roles involve the use, processing, or management of personal data within their organizations.

The DPO Foundational Course provides participants with the essential knowledge and skills needed to begin their journey in the field of data privacy. It introduces the fundamental concepts and practical competencies that serve as the building blocks for a career in data protection and governance. The course also lays the groundwork for those who wish to pursue more advanced studies and professional development in data privacy.

For individuals who already have some familiarity with data privacy principles, the program also serves as a valuable refresher, reinforcing key concepts and best practices. Through a combination of structured lectures, practical case studies, and guided writeshops, participants gain a deeper understanding of the core principles of data protection and how these can be applied in real organizational settings. By the end of the course, learners will have established a strong foundation for responsible data management and for their continuing development as data privacy professionals.

Registration Process
To reserve a slot, kindly follow the following steps:

1. Fill out the online registration form.
2. Wait for an email notification from CRC.
3. Provide the required information for the billing request and wait for the invoice.
4. Pay at least 50% of the course fee thru cash or bank transfer and email deposit slip or
proof of payment to CRC.
5. Wait for an email confirmation from CRC and the official receipt of your payment.

Testimonials
Discover what our graduates say about the CRC DPO Foundational Course in this link.

Course Outline

 

The Center for Research and Communication Foundation, Inc. (CRC) is the research and communication arm of the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P). CRC also conducts in-house training for the DPO Foundational Course. For inquiries, email: [email protected].