IN the dynamic landscape of modern warfare, where technology shapes the battlefield, Lieutenant Colonel Rodrigo Fernandez Quinto stands out as a paragon of knowledge and skill within the Philippine Army. Earning the moniker “Cyber Ninja,” he assumed command of the Philippine Army Signal Regiment Cyber Battalion on July 4, 2022. Since then, he has led the battalion to numerous accomplishments, embodying his guiding principle: “Mission First, Morale Always.”
I am writing to congratulate Lt. Col. Quinto, a friend for many years, for a variety of reasons, including his recognition as the AFP’s Officer Candidate School’s (OCS) Distinguished Alumnus for Special Achievement 2023 from Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro himself on August 29, 2023. He also recently graduated with distinction from the National Defense College’s Cyber and Strategy Policy Program, earning the Academic Excellence Award for topping the class and the Outstanding Policy Paper Award for his research on the role of the private sector in cyber defense.
Quinto has an unquenchable desire to learn. He earned two bachelor degrees and a degree in Master in Government Management. He also completed the Command and Staff Course at the University of Brunei Darussalam (the first foreign Signal Officer to do so), while pursuing a doctorate in development administration at the Philippine Christian University.
He possesses both technical expertise and a diverse skill set, ranging from being a licensed professional teacher to being a certified ethical hacker. He has attended a number of Philippine and international courses, trainings, and seminars to further his military career, including the Australian Defense Intelligence Research Analysis Course, as well as Surveillance Training, Checkpoint Operation Seminar, Introduction to Tactical Combat Care, and React to IED Initiated Ambush in the United States.
Throughout his military career, Quinto received numerous accolades for his contributions. Furthermore, his cybersecurity expertise was recognized when he was named the Cybersecurity Champion and his battalion was awarded the Outstanding Cybersecurity Initiative award by Philippine Digital Innovation 2023.
If you need this multi-talented commander, influencer, motivator, and cyber warrior’s expertise as a subject matter expert, perhaps you could reach out to him at the Army Signal Regiment. The dedication, passion, and brilliance of Quinto illuminate the way forward, reminding us of the importance of continuous learning, innovation, and commitment to national security. Indeed, individuals like him are shaping the future of cybersecurity in the Philippines.
