26/11/2025
๐๐ฆ๐๐ฃ ๐ฅ๐๐๐ข๐๐ก๐๐ญ๐๐ ๐๐ฆ ๐ฆ๐จ๐ฆ๐ง๐๐๐ก๐๐ ๐ฆ๐ ๐๐ฅ๐ง ๐๐ก๐ ๐ฆ๐จ๐ฆ๐ง๐๐๐ก๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ ๐จ๐ก๐๐ง๐ฌโThe City Government of San Fernando, through the City Information and Communications Technology Office (CICTO) under the leadership of Atty. James Francis Villanueva, was nationally recognized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) with the โSustained Smart and Sustainable Community (Level 3)โ award during the 2025 National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (NSTIW) celebration held on November 21, 2025, in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.
The award acknowledges the cityโs sustained efforts in advancing a smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable community through its technology-driven initiativesโparticularly the Citizens Portal, the cityโs flagship digital platform. DOST cited the systemโs long-term benefits, wide adoption among Fernandinos, and significant contribution to improving community engagement and public service accessibility.
Signed by DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., the recognition underscores San Fernandoโs maturity in implementing innovative and sustainable programs under the leadership of Mayor Vilma Balle-Caluag, who continues to champion digital transformation and people-centered governance.
The accolade was presented in line with this yearโs NSTIW theme, โSiyensya at Teknolohiya: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Kinabukasan,โ which highlights the national governmentโs push for resilient and technology-enabled communities.
With this milestone, the City Government reaffirms its commitment to enhancing public service delivery through innovation, further solidifying San Fernandoโs standing as a leader in smart governance in Central Luzon and across the Philippines. | ๐พ๐๐พ๐๐, ๐พ๐๐