30/04/2025
As part of the continuing efforts to successfully implement the Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP) under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), DOST-CAR hosted the first session of the Online SSCP Caravan on April 25, 2025. This session aimed to orient and provide an overview to local government units (LGUs) on the concept and implementation of smart and sustainable communities. This is also in preparation for the upcoming International Smart & Sustainable Cities & Communities Exposition and Networking Engagement (iSCENE) 2025.
The program was formally opened by Engr. Sancho Mabborang, DOST Undersecretary, with his message delivered by Dr. Nancy Bantog DOST-CAR Regional Director. In his message, Undersecretary Mabborang highlighted that,
“The Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP) of the Department of Science and Technology is our banner program that aims to build smart, sustainable, resilient, and inclusive communities through science, technology, and innovation. Since its launch across all sixteen (16) DOST Regional Offices, the SSCP has empowered over ninety (90) local government units (LGUs) nationwide to adopt innovative technologies, focusing on ten (10) thematic areas.”
Dr. Bantog also warmly welcomed all guests and resource speakers and further shared a special message of support and encouragement for the continuing efforts under the SSCP.
A key highlight of the session was the involvement of PLANADES, one of SSCP’s science foundation partners, whose expertise in research, consultancy, extension services, and academic development in environmental, urban, and regional planning equips local governments to embed smart, resilient, and sustainable strategies into their development frameworks. Urban planning was chosen as the very first topic because it provides the essential blueprint for all subsequent smart-city initiatives: by establishing clear land-use policies, infrastructure priorities, and climate-resilience measures up front, LGUs can ensure that every technological innovation is grounded in legally sound, community-driven, and environmentally responsible plans. This solid planning foundation paved the way for seamless integration of robotics, AI, waste-management solutions, and other smart technologies in later SSCP caravan sessions.
Dr. Tabassam Raza, Executive Director of PLANADES, guided LGUs through the alignment of smart and sustainable urban planning with local governance frameworks. In his presentation, “Urban and Regional Planning: Applications for Smart and Sustainable Communities,” Dr. Raza discussed the step-by-step process of formulating Comprehensive Development Plans (CDPs) and Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs), emphasizing how LGUs can systematically integrate smart and sustainable principles into their development agendas.
Dr. Raza also introduced the integration of the Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment (CDRA) process as a vital component. He highlighted how CDRA helps LGUs embed climate resilience and risk reduction into their planning, providing a platform to incorporate smart technologies and sustainable practices. Dr. Raza stressed that before adopting new technologies, LGUs must adhere to existing legal standards, ensuring that innovations align with laws and regulations.
With this, we invite everyone to participate in the upcoming sessions of the Online SSCP Caravan to deepen their understanding of how we can make our local governments smarter and more sustainable. On May 9, 2025, Dr. Alver Causo will present an overview of Robotics, followed by Dr. Felipe Vista IV, who will provide an introduction to Artificial Intelligence. Continuing the series, on May 16, 2025, the Kabang Kalikasan ng Pilipinas Foundation Inc. (WWF-Philippines) will conduct a session on Plastic Smart Cities. We encourage all participants to stay engaged as we continue working together towards building smarter and more sustainable communities.
