Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP) is one of the flagship programs of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) that runs to promote the transformation of Philippine cities into smart, sustainable, resilient, and inclusive communities.
To intensify its efforts, DOST- Cordillera Administrative Region and DOST-Region II led a week-long Capacity Development program held from September 9 to 14, 2024, at the Heritage Hotel Manila. Themed “Empowering Communities through Smart Roadmaps and Technologies,” the program aimed to enhance the competencies of DOST’s Regional and Provincial Offices in assisting Local Government Units (LGUs) in implementing SMART initiatives.
The SSCP’ lead to smarter Philippines
DOST Secretary Dr. Renato Solidum honored the event with his presence and urged participants to “seize the opportunity to be the driving force behind the transformation of [our] communities,” embracing pivotal roles in implementing SSCP with renewed dedication and commitment. He further emphasized the significance of fostering sustainable and smart solutions to drive technological advancement, social inclusion, and resilience.
“We have a big responsibility and a golden opportunity in our very hands. Having the ability to help shape the trajectory of our economy, our communities, and the lives of countless Filipino citizens requires our ironclad commitment, deep sense of duty, and collaborative spirit;” DOST Undersecretary, Engr. Sancho Mabborang, reaffirming what the participants can contribute to the SSCP.
The event brought together over 130 Regional and Provincial DOST staff and featured prominent speakers from the local and international sectors, providing valuable insights into integrating technology, sustainability, and community empowerment within the smart cities framework.
Foreign Smart City Experts: Pioneering Global Perspectives
Mr. Dominic Wilhelm, Executive Director of the Global Trust Project, introduced trust-based leadership as a foundational strategy for successfully implementing SSCP. He emphasized the significance of trust in local government unit (LGU) engagements, especially in pitching SSCP initiatives. This approach was further strengthened through mock pitching sessions, where participants practiced applying trust-driven strategies to their presentations, which built their confidence and clarity in delivering project goals.
Dr. Non Arkaraprasertkul from Thailand’s Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) led the session on Urban Innovation, Technology Urban Analytics, and Smart City Enterprise Financing.
Citing the case of Nakhon City, Thailand’s Model Smart City, he provided a practical insight into approaching smart city development that prioritizes citizen-centric approaches and the integration of Big Data to create impactful, data-driven solutions. He advocated for a strategy of “thinking big, acting small, and consistently,” and stressed that partnerships between the public, private sectors, and citizens are the foundation of smart city success.
Another global smart city expert, Ms. Seok Mei Goh, Executive Director of United Smart Cities, introduced participants to integrated systems like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Twin technology for smart cities. She demonstrated how technologies are critical tools in creating more efficient, resilient, and sustainable environments. Her session opened participants’ eyes to the immense potential of technology-driven innovations that can be integrated into smart city planning and governance.
Ms. Maimunah Jaffar, the Director of the Strategic Technology and Innovation of Iskandar Regional Development Authority Malaysia (IRDA) also shared Malaysia’s smart city framework aligned with UN SDGs. She outlined the seven key pillars: smart economy, living, environment, people, government, mobility, and digital information.
LGU Engagement: Applying Smart City Solutions in Governance
Adding a local dimension to the discussions, Atty. Reina Consorcia M. Santos, the Smart City Focal for Cauayan City, presented the integration of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into local governance through their initiative “Labing Pitong Hamon sa Bawat Cauayeño,” localizing the SDGs and anchoring its programs and developmental projects to evolve into a smarter and more sustainable city.
Reiterating the importance of aligning local government efforts with global standards while focusing on citizen welfare and participation, she shared insights into the challenges and successes of implementing smart city projects in Cauayan City and how collaboration and partnerships with various stakeholders have been instrumental in advancing these initiatives.
Academic Insights: Bridging Research and Practical Implementation
Dr. Betchie A. Aguinaldo, Director of the Business Intelligence Research and Development Center (BIRDC) at Isabela State University-Cauayan Campus introduced ISO 37122:2019 and shared insights on strategic methods for “Designing the Future of Smart and Sustainable Communities” that aids in promoting smart city development in the Philippines. She led several workshops utilizing Design Thinking to co-create solutions tailored to local contexts for local government units (LGUs) and communities and co-facilitated a session on the Smart Service Canvas to provide support to participants in refining their project pitches for smart city projects to present to respective LGUs for implementation.
Dr. Aguinaldo continued her engagement with the presentation of the successful development and implementation of BIRD-C’s DOST-funded projects, such as HEALTHGUARD, ODeSSEE, Digital Business Locator, and C-DEWS. These projects demonstrated how academic research can directly contribute to smart city development.
DOST Officials and Insights
Participants also had the opportunity to engage with Director Cezar Pedraza, Director IV of DOST Planning and Evaluation Services. He explained the DOST Technology Hub and how each office can further its smart city projects through its guidance.
Also, Ms. Ynna Patricia M. Aquino, Science Research Specialist II at the DOST-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), presented GeoRisk Philippines, a centralized ICT tool for enhancing resilience through accurate hazard and risk information. Her presentation gathered recommendations that highlight the enhancement of the system’s responsiveness and accuracy to support disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts.
Workshops and Hands-on Activities
The six-day event was designed to be highly interactive, with participants engaging in mock pitching sessions and design thinking workshops. These activities allowed participants to apply their newly acquired knowledge, with a focus on sharpening their skills in presenting SSCP initiatives to LGUs. Resource speakers, including Ms. Maria Rebecca Ferreras, Associate Project Officer from the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), provided tools such as the Hexagon Assessment Tool and Smart Services Canvas to aid in developing comprehensive smart city solutions.
Ways Forward
The last day of the program was facilitated by Ms. Raquel B. Santos, DOST Region II Smart Focal Person, who discussed the SSC Roadmap Development Process; Dr. Napoleon K. Juanillo, Jr., the DOST Assistant Secretary for Technology Transfer, Communications, and Commercialization, leading the workshop that focused on the development of indicators for the program implementation; Dr. Nancy A. Bantog, DOST-CAR Regional Director, who further outlined the plans and activities for DOST National, Regional and Provincial levels, following the SSC Capacity Development Program; and Dr. Virginia G. Bilgera, DOST Region II Regional Director, who emphasized the importance of the program into fully-capacitating DOST leaders to lead the implementation and attainment of SSCP objectives.
The week-long Capacity Development Program on Smart and Sustainable Communities (SSCP) concluded with a clear commitment from DOST’s leadership and participants to drive the transformation of Philippine cities into smart, resilient, and inclusive communities. Through active engagement in workshops, expert-led sessions, and strategic discussions, the participants are now equipped with the tools, insights, and confidence to implement SSCP initiatives in their respective regions.
