The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region XII, led by Engr. Sammy P. Malawan, officially launched the Smart and Sustainable Cities and Communities program in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region. The program was inaugurated during the Mindanao Water Summit and Blue Economy Forum held at the City Gymnasium of Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat. Dignitaries from various local government units (LGUs) attended the event and marked the official kickoff by pressing a digital button.
RD Malawan highlighted the importance of rapid population growth, urbanization, and changing status quo for the region’s development and the need to address them through innovative solutions. He stressed the program’s objectives to be people-centric, solution-centric, and progressive-centric, aiming to optimize the region’s talent pool and promote an innovation-led economy. The program aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and emphasizes the integration of different dimensions of sustainability.
The Smart and Sustainable Cities Program was first introduced during the iSCENE 2023 event in Cauayan Isabela, facilitated by the DOST Central Office. SOCCSKSARGEN became the first region to officially adopt the program.
As a symbol of their commitment and support, local officials and representatives attending the event signed a pledge to implement the program in their respective localities. The launch of this program marks an important step towards building smarter and sustainable cities in the Philippines.
Read more: DOST Region XII Facebook page
