The Department of Science and Technology Western Visayas (DOST Western Visayas) through its Capiz Provincial Science and Technology Office (Capiz PSTO) has partnered with local government units across Capiz to advance science, technology, and innovation (STI) through the Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP). The program empowers local governments to streamline public services, protect vulnerable communities from climate risks, support local farmers, and improve educational access through targeted technological solutions. local governance across varying administrative levels.
The series of ceremonial launchings began on September 8, 2026, with the Provincial Government of Capiz, led by Provincial Administrator Atty. Arthur John H. Biñas. The province’s participation in the SSCP provides an opportunity to explore STI-based solutions that can support government operations and contribute to the development of more resilient and sustainable communities.
On September 9, Roxas City held the launch which was led by Dr. Federico B. Acepcion, Sangguniang Panlungsod Chairman of the Committee on ICT. Acepcion emphasized the role of the program in helping the local government utilize STI to improve its services and programs.
“Ini nga programa magabulig sa LGU nga magamit ang Science, Technology kag Innovation (STI) agud mangin maayo, luwas kag mapaayo ang serbisyo kag mga programa sang LGU,” [“This program will help the LGU use Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) to improve, strengthen, and make its services and programs safer and more effective.”] Acepcion noted, emphasizing how innovation underpins city modernization.
The series concluded on September 14 in the Municipality of Sigma, led by Mayor Dante Rizal A. Eslabon. Mayor Eslabon expressed gratitude for DOST’s guidance in bringing digital tools to municipal administration to simplify everyday transactions for staff and residents alike.
“Naga-pasalamat gid ako sa DOST nga ginpili nila ang Sigma nga mangin parte sang Smart and Sustainable Communities Program. Makabulig gid ini sa mga empleyado sang LGU para mapahapos kag mapadasig ang amun transaction,” [“I am very grateful to DOST for choosing Sigma to be part of the Smart and Sustainable Communities Program. This will greatly help LGU employees by making our transactions easier and faster.”] Eslabon shared.
Recognizing that every local government operates under unique needs, the SSCP allows each partner LGU to adopt specific technological solutions aligned with its primary goals. Under Smart Governance, LGUs can roll out digital platforms to automate municipal tasks, reduce processing times, and make civic services easily accessible to the public. Through Smart Agriculture via Project SARAI (Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry in the Philippines), local farming sectors are provided with real-time crop monitoring, weather tracking, and decision-support tools to safeguard agricultural productivity. Smart Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and Climate Resilience arms communities with science-based hazard forecasting, spatial data tools, and rapid-response systems to better withstand climate impact and natural emergencies. Additionally, Smart Education enhances local learning environments by integrating digital learning resources and offline digital science libraries to expand educational access in grassroots schools.
Through these localized STI integrations, DOST continues to work closely with municipal, city, and provincial leaders, ensuring that technological adoption directly addresses grassroots needs and drives sustainable growth across Capiz. (LNGGebauer, MCPielago/DOST Capiz; Photos by: LNGGebauer, DOST Capiz)
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