01/10/2026
๐๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ค๐ข๐ง๐ ๐จ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐ ๐๐ข๐๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ ๐ก ๐๐๐ข๐๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐ก๐ง๐จ๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ฒ
A smart community is not defined by technology alone. It is built when science and innovation respond to the realities of its people.
This is the vision behind the partnership of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Catigbian through the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Program, in support of the Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP).
Through Project SMART Catigbian, this vision comes to life by strengthening disaster preparedness, climate resilience, agriculture, education, health, and digital public services.
With existing emergency communication systems facing limited coverage and aging infrastructure in the municipality, DOST will support the modernization of its disaster communication capabilities through digital two-way radio communication and an automated early warning system. These interventions are designed to strengthen coordination and enable faster response, particularly in the areas where communication can become difficult during emergencies.
Being SMART also mean being more responsive to a changing climate. As an agriculture-based municipality, Catigbianโs farmers need timely and localized information to make informed decisions. Through DOSTโs SARAI technologies, including the Automated Weather Station and CL-SEAMS, science-based climate information and decision-support tools will help guide agricultural planning and adaptation.
The same approach extends to learning and community well-being. Through STARBOOKS, DOST will bring science and technology resources closer to learners across Catigbianโs schools, while the INDAK Program will support healthy aging and cognitive wellness among senior citizens. Strengthened connectivity will also help improve digital government services and coordination.
But DOSTโs role goes beyond providing technologies. Through CEST and SSCP, DOST works with the LGU and community stakeholders through training, capacity-building, technical assistance, monitoring, and coordination. This ensures that science-based solutions are not simply introduced but are understood and sustained within the community.
Through SMART Catigbian, DOST brings science closer to the people, transforming innovation into practical solutions and building a community ready for the challenge of tomorrow.
