CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela (PIA) - Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr has assured his full support to the local government units of Cagayan Valley Region that are aspiring to become smart cities and communities through DOST technologies.

Solidum made the statement of support during the conduct of the 2nd International Smart City Exposition and Networking Engagement (ISCENE) 2024 held at the Isabela Convention Center in Cauayan City.

He said Cauayan City is being showcased by DOST as the only city government nationwide that is utilizing the Sustainable Development Goals as guidance in governance, in partnership with state universities and colleges.

Solidum said the DOST is supporting LGUs through its Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program, which aims to provide technologies to uplift the lives of the locals and the economy of the communities.

He said in Region 2, the provinces of Batanes and Quirino, the cities of Tuguegarao and Santiago, and the town of Dupax Del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya are considered for the program.

He also said all LGUs in Region 2 will soon be considered as smart and sustainable communities, not only in region 2 but in the country as a whole.

“Our vision is we want to apply smart technologies to develop open data, collaborative, citizen centric, and digitally-transformed governance,” Solidum said.

Meanwhile, DOST Regional Director Virginia Bilgera said their office is encouraging all cities and municipalities in the region to be smart and sustainable communities by embracing the technologies offered by DOST. (MGE / PIA Isabela)