18/12/2025
๐ฆ๐๐ก ๐๐๐ฅ๐ก๐๐ก๐๐ข, ๐๐ ๐จ๐ก๐๐ข๐ก ๐๐ข๐ฆ๐ง๐ฆ ๐ง๐๐ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฑ ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ ๐ฆ๐จ๐ ๐ ๐๐ง
The City of San Fernando, La Union, in partnership with DOST Ilocos Region, successfully hosted the Smart and Sustainable Communities Summit 2025 on December 5, 2025. With the theme โInnovating Together Toward Smart, Sustainable, and Inclusive Communities,โ the Summit convened LGUs, NGAs, MSMEs, academe, industry partners, civil society, innovators, and community stakeholders to advance science-based, people-centered development.
DOST Undersecretary Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang highlighted the importance of innovation for learners, farmers, entrepreneurs, and vulnerable groups, presenting the DOST Smart and Sustainable Communities Program, emphasizing human well-being, wealth creation, protection, and sustainability. Regional Director Dr. Teresita A. Tabaog underscored inclusive technology access, while Mayor Hermenegildo A. Gualberto reaffirmed the cityโs commitment to innovation-driven growth.
Experts showcased programs supporting MSME growth, startup development, climate resilience, and smart city transformation, including DOST SETUP, iHubs, GeoRisk Philippines, Flood Monitoring Systems, and IoT applications for responsive governance. Success stories, such as Ms. Joanne Dacquelโs entrepreneurial journey, highlighted the transformative role of science and technology.
The Summit also featured the Inter-School StartUp Competition and Aghamlikha Research Proposal Competition, promoting youth innovation. The event concluded with a shared commitment among all sectors to build inclusive, resilient, and innovation-driven communities across San Fernando and the Ilocos Region.
AghamLikha Research Paper Competition Winners:
๐ฅ1st Place: La Union National High School (IoT-Assisted In Vitro Micropropagation System for Bambusa blumeana or Kawayan Tinik)
๐ฅ2nd Place: La Union Cultural Institute (BasurAI: Arduino-Based Trash Bin For Semi-Automated Sorting Of Compostable, Residual, And Recyclable Waste)
๐ฅ3rd Place: Saint Louis College High School (Goat (Capra aegagrus hircus) Manure as a Biopolymeric Super Absorbent Gel)
Inter-school StartUp Challenge Winners:
๐ฅ1st Place: Saint Louis College (AgurAI)
๐ฅ2nd Place: Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University - South La Union Campus (OBRA: Opportunities Bridging for Remote Access)
๐ฅ3rd Place: Union Christian College (BantA.I.)
Kakabsat, the City Government continues to collaborate with partner agencies to advance smarter, more resilient, and data-driven governance in the of .
