DOST VI Champions Smart and Sustainable Future at the Inaugural Summit on Smart LGUs

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Regional Office No. VI participated in the Summit on Smart Local Government Units (LGUs), organized by the Vice Mayor’s League of the Philippines (VMLP) on August 14, 2024. This landmark event brought together 600 vice mayors, councilors, Sanggunian secretaries, and other key local government officials from across the nation to chart the course toward smarter, more sustainable communities.

Representing DOST VI was Ms. Keithlyn Sarah B. Bernardino, Head of the DOST VI Regional S&T Operations, who delivered a compelling presentation on the agency’s strategic vision, programs, and accomplishments in Smart Cities and Communities. Highlighting the DOST’s Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP), she showcased how science and technology can be powerful catalysts for local economic growth and development.

Ms. Bernardino urged LGUs to invest in research and development as a cornerstone for achieving economic resilience and competitiveness. She also underscored the critical importance of building a robust S&T human resource base and adopting cutting-edge technologies such as smart agriculture, artificial intelligence, and innovations in the blue economy. “Preparing for the future means embracing these technologies today,” she stated, emphasizing the role of LGUs in leading the transformation toward smarter governance.

The summit served as a vital platform for collaboration among local governance leaders, academe, and technology experts. By bringing these stakeholders together, the event aimed to accelerate the adoption of smart technologies across the country, empowering LGUs to create more efficient, responsive, and future-ready communities.

As the Philippines embarks on its journey toward becoming a global leader in smart and sustainable communities, DOST VI stands ready to partner with LGUs in turning this vision into reality. The success of this summit marks just the beginning of a collaborative effort to harness the power of innovation for the betterment of every Filipino community.