KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) – The Department of Science and Technology recently introduced Project LUNGSOD, an initiative that would create smarter, more connected and efficient cities by leveraging technology and data-driven solutions, to the Provincial Government of South Cotabato.
Engineer Dominic Fargas, project supervising technical specialist, presented Project LUNGSOD to members of the Provincial Research, Development, and Innovation Committee at the South Cotabato State College in Surallah, South Cotabato, on March 5.
Fargas explained that Project LUNGSOD, or Link-Up of Geomatics and Social Science Research for the Development of Smart Cities, seeks to transform cities into smart cities through the integration of geomatics and social science research.
Project LUNGSOD is part of the Smart City Projects funded by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development. It is being spearheaded by the University of the Philippines Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry.
“Smart City Project helps local government units shift from manual operations to more efficient digital solutions, streamlining processes in government offices. By using Geo-ICT solutions, we can boost the local economy by enhancing businesses, tourism, governance and social services,” Fargas explained.
“If we want to build smart provinces and smart regions, we have to start with smart cities. But this isn’t something we can achieve alone. Everyone has a role in shaping programs and policies that bring real, lasting change to our communities,” he added.
Project LUNGSOD includes the development of the City Command and City Connect platforms.
The City Command platform comprises the Smart Command and Smart Data Hub, which will be integrated with the Command Center.
Meanwhile, the City Connect platform consists of Geo-ICT solutions and mobile applications for businesses, tourism, governance and social services.
DOST’s Project LUNGSOD presentation marked the initial step toward securing approval for the project’s implementation in South Cotabato and across SOCCSKSARGEN Region.
In response, DOST-South Cotabato Provincial Director and PRDIC co-chairperson Giselle O. Siladan said the PRDIC will consult stakeholders before finalizing the project, ensuring that the program aligns with the needs and priorities of the province.
“We don’t want to develop a system without consulting the stakeholders of the province,” she said.
Following the discussion, PRDIC passed a resolution endorsing the Project LUNGSOD proposal for further evaluation and deliberation by the Provincial Development Council of South Cotabato. (AMBB, PIA Region 12)
