SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY WEEK. The Department of Science and Technology-Ilocos will launch on October 16, 2023 the four pilot areas in the region that are part of the select localities under the Smart and Sustainable Communities Program. The launch is part of the Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week. (Photo courtesy of DOST Ilocos)
MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – Four cities in the Ilocos Region have been included among the pilot areas for the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Smart and Sustainable Communities Program.
These cities are Batac in Ilocos Norte, Candon in Ilocos Sur, San Fernando in La Union, and Alaminos in Pangasinan, which were chosen because of their respective local government’s intention and commitment to develop technologically innovative communities.
Local government units (LGUs) of these areas need to prioritize the digitalization of their transaction processes and introduce technologies in agriculture as well as in disaster risk reduction and management, Michael John Maquiling, DOST-Ilocos science and technology specialist and smart program coordinator, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Tuesday.
“If they have the intention and commitment, there will also be cooperation and readiness,” he said, noting the launch of the program on October 16, 2023 during the Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week.
Maquiling said state colleges and universities (SCUs) and several private higher education institutions (HEIs) in these areas will also assist in the research and methods of the processes, among others.
These HEIs include the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) in Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan State University in Alaminos, and the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, Saint Louis College, and the Lorna Colleges Inc., all in La Union.
Funding for the program will come from the LGUs but it will be augmented by partner government agencies like the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the National Economic and Development Authority, Maquiling said.
“Each party would allot funds as needed but the DOST will provide the technology and equipment needed,” he said.
In an online briefing on Tuesday, DOST-Ilocos information officer Christian Dominic Casimiro said the program aims to introduce and improve technological advancements that will help the communities.
He said the program’s first phase is more on planning workshops with the LGUs and its partners.
“Their input will be utilized in line with improving or sustaining development in their communities. DOST’s role is to assess how they are doing in terms of utilizing technologies or if they need improvements through the help of the agency’s technologies,” he added.
The Smart and Sustainable Communities Program is in line with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP), which aims to deepen economic and social transformation in the country. (PNA)
