Cagayan Valley Smart and Sustainable Community

21/04/2026

𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝟎𝟐, 𝐈𝐒𝐔, 𝐋𝐆𝐔 𝐄𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐩𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞

April 20-21, 2026, Echague, Isabela | Echague's Local Government Unit (LGU) kicked off its smart transformation with the Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP) Roadmapping Workshop. Spearheaded by Dr. Virginia G. Bilgera represented by Engr. Rosario G. Danga, Provincial Director for Isabela, the event brought together local officials led by Hon. Faustino “Inno” A. Dy V, Municipal Mayor, represented by Hon. Alfredo V. Alili, Sangguniang Bayan Member, along with the whole Sangguniang Bayan Members, technical staff, partner agencies, and community representatives to chart a smart path forward.

The workshop aimed to align local development priorities with science, technology, and innovation (STI)-driven solutions under the SSCP framework.

The workshop aligned town priorities with science, technology, and innovation (STI) under the SSCP framework. Participants assessed strengths, pinpointed gaps, and brainstormed data-driven initiatives in digital tools and sustainability.

Highlights included Dr. Victor B. Perlas presenting the SSCP pillars—smart governance, economy, environment, mobility, living, and people—followed by breakout sessions tailoring them to Echague's needs. Dr. Precilla Delima led a visioning exercise on key smart community concepts, defining "Smart Echague's" future state.

During the roadmapping sessions, data-driven decision-making was emphasized, particularly in strengthening planning processes, improving service delivery, and enhancing transparency. Moreover, mature technologies were presented, including Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as Industry (SARAI) in the Philippines by Mr. Benedict P. Tumaliuan, Smart and Innovative Agriculture (DOST-SINAG) by Mr. Jerwin T. Sarancalao, Digital Business Locator by Ms. Rodora B. Santos, and Optimization of Decision Support System for Effective e-Governance (ODeSSEE) by Engr. Niko Angelo S. Tabangin.

The workshop also marked a significant institutional step, as the LGU initiated the drafting of an Executive Order to organize and institutionalize the Municipal Government of Echague – Smart and Sustainable Communities Committee (MGE-SSCC), presented by Atty. Charlene Joy B. Quintos.

The conduct of the SSCP Roadmapping Workshop reflects Echague’s commitment to embracing innovation and sustainability as key drivers of development. By harnessing the power of science and technology, the municipality is positioning itself to become a model smart community, one that is adaptive, inclusive, and resilient in the face of emerging challenges.

Moving forward, continuous engagement, monitoring, and refinement of the roadmap will be essential. With strong leadership and multi-sectoral collaboration, LGU Echague is well on its way to realizing its vision of a smarter and more sustainable future for its constituents.

15/04/2026

25/03/2026

📢 IMEC 2026: CALL FOR PAPERS

The DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) invites researchers, engineers, and industry practitioners worldwide to submit papers for the International Metals and Engineering Conference (IMEC) happening from 18 to 19 June 2026 at the Acacia Hotel in Muntinlupa City.

📅 Deadline of submissions: 1 April 2026 (Wednesday)
🔗 Submit your papers here: https://imec.mirdc.dost.gov.ph/submission

Be part of the IMEC 2026 and contribute to advancing innovation and sustainable metals and engineering.

For more information and news about M&E Week 2026, follow the DOST MIRDC page.

17/03/2026

𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐨 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲

Reinforcing the role of science and technology in disaster preparedness, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) awarded a ₱20-million project fund to the Local Government Unit of Tuguegarao City to strengthen its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) initiatives. The project supports the deployment of DOST-developed technologies, capacity-building programs, and coordinated community-based strategies that will enhance the city’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.

The awarding ceremony was graced by DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., together with Undersecretary for Regional Operations Sancho A. Mabborang and DOST Regional Director Virginia G. Bilgera. The fund was formally awarded to Tuguegarao City Mayor Maila Ting-Que in recognition of the city’s commitment to advancing disaster preparedness and building a safer, more resilient community.

The initiative seeks to strengthen Tuguegarao City’s disaster preparedness systems through the deployment of DOST-developed and supported technologies, complemented by community-based preparedness strategies and institutional capacity-building.

The project carries a comprehensive set of objectives aimed at reinforcing the city’s ability to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to disasters. Among its key goals are:
1. Building institutional and community capacity through targeted DRRM trainings, workshops, and simulation exercises to better equip responders and community members.
2. Integrating the Mobile Command and Control Vehicle (MoCCoV) into the city’s emergency response operations to enhance coordination, monitoring, and on-site decision-making during disasters.
3. Establishing localized risk communication protocols to ensure that timely, accurate, and science-based advisories reach communities during emergencies.
4. Strengthening collaboration among local government units, national agencies, and community stakeholders to create a more unified and responsive disaster management system.

Moreover, this also serves as an avenue that brings together government leaders, industry partners, and the private sector to share knowledge, build partnerships, and foster innovation. Through knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration, the initiative promotes innovative solutions that contribute to the development of smarter, safer, and more sustainable communities across the country.

With this initiative, the DOST continues to strengthen its partnership with local governments in promoting science-based solutions for disaster preparedness. Through the leadership of Mayor Maila, the Tuguegarao City moves closer toward becoming a more resilient, responsive, and future-ready city, where science, technology, and innovation help safeguard communities and support sustainable development.

16/03/2026

"Our conflict today involving the United States, Israel, and Iran should convince us to adopt electric and converted jeepneys, tricycles, and other sustainable means of transportation. Cagayan should also embrace smart agriculture. It is very important for us to become more self-reliant and to make our governance more sustainable.

Science and technology help us make better choices. That is our role in the Department of Science and Technology (DOST): to provide solutions and open opportunities for all. We should apply science, technology, and innovation (STI) in governance—that is what I see here in Cagayan,"𝑠𝑎𝑖𝑑 𝐷𝑒𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑆𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑇𝑒𝑐ℎ𝑛𝑜𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 (𝐷𝑂𝑆𝑇) 𝑆𝑒𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑦, 𝑫𝒓. 𝑹𝒆𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒐 𝑼. 𝑺𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒅𝒖𝒎 𝑱𝒓., 𝑑𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑚𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑦𝑎𝑛 𝐿𝑜𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝐺𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑈𝑛𝑖𝑡’𝑠 𝐹𝑙𝑎𝑔 𝑅𝑎𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐶𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑦.

In this light, the message of the DOST Secretary highlights the vital role of science and technology in guiding communities toward resilience and sustainability. As global uncertainties continue to influence local realities, initiatives that promote clean transportation, smart agriculture, and science-based governance become increasingly important.

Through the leadership and support of the Department of Science and Technology, Cagayan is steadily moving toward a future where innovation empowers communities, strengthens local industries, and ensures that development remains inclusive, sustainable, and forward-looking.

16/03/2026

𝐂𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐓𝐚𝐩𝐬 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞-𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞

The story of agriculture in Cagayan has long been one of abundance—vast rice fields, thriving corn farms, and communities whose livelihoods depend on the rhythm of the land. Yet in recent years, that rhythm has been disrupted. Successive storms, intensified by climate change, have left fields submerged, crops destroyed, and farmers struggling to recover. In just a short span of time, the province has suffered more than ₱2 billion in agricultural losses, reminding everyone that traditional farming alone is no longer enough to withstand the changing climate.

But what if farmers could anticipate the weather before planting? What if local governments could make decisions based on real-time data rather than delayed reports? And what if science could bridge the gap between uncertainty and resilience in agriculture?

These questions are now driving a new direction for the province as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), in partnership with the Provincial Local Government Unit of Cagayan, launched the Cagayan Innovation Hub and the Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture Industry (SARAI) Regional Hub—an initiative designed to place science, data, and innovation at the heart of agricultural and economic development in the province.

The launching ceremony was graced by Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr., Secretary of the DOST; Retired Police General Edgar Aglipay, Governor of Cagayan; Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang, DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations; Dr. Virginia G. Bilgera, Regional Director of DOST Region II; and Dr. Julius V. Sicat, Regional Director of DOST Region III, along with other representatives from the PLGU Cagayan.

The establishment of the SARAI Regional Hub was made possible through Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture Industry (SARAI), a program developed by the University of the Philippines Los Baños. SARAI translates climate and agricultural data into practical advisories and planning tools that help farmers and local governments make informed decisions on crop production, planting schedules, and climate risks.

Furthermore, the newly launched facility integrates three key components designed to drive innovation and informed governance in the province:

Cagayan Innovation Hub (iHub) - The innovation hub will serve as a platform for enterprise development and collaboration, offering incubation and mentoring services for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). It will support modernization, digitalization, and prototype development while fostering partnerships among industry, academe, and government.

Decision Intelligence Center - The center will feature real-time data dashboards that will help provincial leaders monitor key performance indicators, track development programs, and oversee agricultural production. The system is expected to enhance transparency, accountability, and evidence-based governance.

SARAI Regional Hub - Serving as the agriculture intelligence engine, the SARAI Hub will provide science-based agricultural advisories, climate-risk monitoring, and planning tools to assist farmers, agricultural offices, and local governments.

The integrated hub supports the province’s flagship development strategy, ONE Cagayan D.R.I.V.E.S. (Development of Rural Industries through Value Chain Enhancement and Sustainability). Through innovation systems, analytics, and climate-smart agricultural tools, the project aims to boost rural industries, strengthen agricultural value chains, and promote sustainable development across the province.

Beyond infrastructure, the Cagayan Innovation Hub complex represents a broader vision for governance and development. By integrating science, technology, and data into decision-making, the initiative positions Cagayan as a smart, sustainable, and innovation-driven province.

For farmers, the initiative offers practical benefits—from improved climate resilience to better crop planning and higher productivity. For the province, it signals a shift toward a future where science and innovation guide development efforts and help safeguard food security for communities across Cagayan.

13/03/2026

“𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘣𝘺𝘦𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘰 𝘴𝘰𝘰𝘯, 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘦𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳.”

Today, the Smart and Sustainable Communities (SSC) Cagayan Valley Family joins the DOST community in remembering Engr. Mark Gil Hizon, whose dedication to service and genuine kindness touched many lives.

Though his passing leaves a void in our hearts, the connections he built and the impact of his work will continue to live on.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.

𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒊𝒏 𝑮𝒐𝒅’𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒔, 𝑬𝒏𝒈𝒓. 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒌. 💙🕊️

“𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦: 𝘢 𝘧𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭.”

𝙏𝙤𝙙𝙖𝙮, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘿𝙚𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙎𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙏𝙚𝙘𝙝𝙣𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙮 (𝘿𝙊𝙎𝙏) 𝙍𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙤𝙣 02 𝙛𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙥𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙧 𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙜𝙪𝙚, 𝙀𝙣𝙜𝙧. 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙠 𝙂𝙞𝙡 𝙃𝙞𝙯𝙤𝙣, 𝙬𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙤𝙪𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨.

His sudden passing has left a deep void in our hearts and in the DOST community he faithfully served. Engr. Hizon will always be remembered for his commitment to service and for the way he brought people together—always finding opportunities to build new connections and strengthen partnerships that helped advance the mission of the Department.

In every celebration, meeting, and gathering of the DOST family, his presence will surely be missed. Yet the relationships he helped nurture and the collaborations he inspired will continue to live on, reflecting the kind of colleague and friend that he was.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, and all who had the privilege of working with him.

Your legacy of service and collaboration will remain in the hearts of the DOST Region 02 family.

𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒊𝒏 𝑮𝒐𝒅’𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒔, 𝑬𝒏𝒈𝒓. 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒌. 💙🕊️

12/02/2026

𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵. 𝘉𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘚𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘵. 𝘈𝘪𝘮 𝘏𝘪𝘨𝘩, 𝘋𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘶𝘯!

𝐋𝐆𝐔 𝐃𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐮𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐒𝐂𝐏 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐃𝐞𝐯 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 “𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐮𝐧” 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐚𝐩

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Regional Office II, through the Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP), successfully conducted a two-day SSCP Roadmapping and Capacity Development Workshop with the Local Government Unit of Diffun, Quirino, held at Balay ti Umili, Aurora East, Diffun, Quirino.

The activity gathered municipal leaders, department heads, sectoral representatives, and partner stakeholders in a collaborative effort to strengthen their shared understanding of smart and sustainable development, align local priorities, and craft a localized roadmap grounded in Diffun’s current realities and future aspirations.

𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙘 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨

Day 1 focused on building foundational knowledge of smart and sustainable communities. The program opened with welcome and opening messages from Hon. May G. Calaunan, Municipal Mayor of LGU Diffun, Dr. Rocela Angelica B. Gorospe, Provincial Director of PSTO Quirino, and Dr. Virginia G. Bilgera, Regional Director of DOST Region II.

The technical sessions featured an Overview of the SSCP and DOST’s Smart and Sustainable Framework and discussion on the ILAW Framework led by Dr. Victor B. Perlas of DOST RO2. These sessions emphasized that smart communities are not solely technology-driven, but are anchored on responsive governance, empowered citizens, and sustainable resource management.

Day 2 advanced the discussions toward planning and application. The Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Plan was presented by Mr. Jeffson Carbonell, providing strategic direction for aligning innovation initiatives with municipal priorities.

This was followed by workshops on SWOT analysis, gap assessment, and technology matching, allowing participants to identify development gaps and match them with appropriate and practical technology-based solutions. More than a technical exercise, the workshop demonstrated active leadership engagement and participatory governance. Through collaborative discussions and sectoral workshops, outputs were consolidated into a draft “Smart and Sustainable Diffun” Roadmap outlining priority programs, timelines, and next steps.

With the roadmap now established, LGU Diffun moves forward with clearer direction and shared responsibility—translating plans into concrete actions for a smarter and more sustainable future.

05/02/2026

𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐈 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐄𝐎–𝐆𝐈𝐒 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐆𝐔𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐩𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠

Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – February 2-5, 2026 – Strengthening the foundation of evidence-based governance in Cagayan Valley, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region II, through its flagship Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP) and under the leadership of Regional Director Dr. Virginia G. Bilgera, co-hosted the National Copernicus Capacity Support Action Programme for the Philippines (CopPhil) LGUs Training Programme on Earth Observation (EO), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and the use of Copernicus data at the Provincial Capitol of Cagayan in Tuguegarao City.

Conducted from February 2 to 5, 2026, the four-day in-depth training reflects a strong partnership among the European Union (EU), the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), and DOST, bringing together LGUs in the region and state universities and colleges (SUCs) with one shared purpose: to convert geospatial information into practical, decision-ready tools for disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, land use planning, agriculture, and environmental management.

𝘽𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙧𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙇𝙂𝙐 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙨𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙜𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚
Across many LGUs in Cagayan Valley, critical decisions where to build, where to protect, what to prioritize, and how to respond –often rely on fragmented data, limited technical capacity, or time-consuming manual processes. Through CopPhil, the training addressed this gap by equipping LGUs in the region with core EO-GIS competencies and applied workflows they can integrate into planning and operations.

The programme began by grounding participants on the fundamentals of EO and GIS, followed by hands-on training using QGIS, where participants practiced working with geospatial data types, formats, and mapping workflows. Participants were also introduced to Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite imagery, including practical steps for accessing and selecting images for local applications.

By the second day, sessions moved into deeper technical application – helping participants interpret satellite image bands and compute spectral indices, which are essential tools for understanding vegetation conditions and environmental changes. The training also emphasized how EO products can be integrated into GIS-based spatial analysis, enabling LGUs in the region to produce maps and insights that are more timely, consistent, and defensible for policy and operational decisions.

𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙢𝙖𝙥𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: 𝘿𝙍𝙍, 𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧, 𝙛𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙙𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙨𝙡𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙨
A major highlight of the training was its direct alignment with regional priorities. On Day 3, participants tackled practical exercises on land cover classification and land cover change analysis, then advanced into disaster management applications using EO – such as cloud-based flood extent mapping and landslide mapping. These sessions demonstrated how EO can help LGUs in Cagayan Valley quickly identify hazard impacts, validate field reports, and support preparedness and response planning with geospatial evidence.

On the final day, participants engaged in site suitability assessment – a workflow that combines EO and GIS methods to evaluate appropriate locations based on multiple criteria. From conceptual modeling and data preprocessing to spatial analysis and suitability mapping, the exercise emphasized a crucial message: smart planning is not about having more data, but about using the right data correctly to guide decisions that affect communities for years to come.

The training also featured partner inputs, including Project SARAi applications for agriculture and sessions on cloud-based visualization tools such as Climate Engine, alongside PhilSA thematic inputs to broaden participants’ understanding of national EO initiatives and operational mechanisms.

𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙎𝙎𝘾𝙋 𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙞𝙣 𝘾𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙮𝙖𝙣 𝙑𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮
For DOST Region II, the CopPhil training is more than a technical activity – it is a strategic step in advancing SSCP’s goal of building smart and sustainable communities in Cagayan Valley by strengthening the capability of LGUs in the region to plan, act, and invest based on science and data.

Through SSCP, DOST Region II supports local governments not only by introducing technologies, but by ensuring that local teams can sustain and operationalize them – turning tools like EO and GIS into everyday instruments for governance. With enhanced capacity, LGUs in Cagayan Valley are better positioned to:
• improve hazard preparedness and risk-informed development planning,
• strengthen climate and environmental monitoring,
• support agriculture and food security initiatives through data-driven analysis,
• and institutionalize geospatial workflows that inform ordinances, investment plans, and local development programs.

This capacity-building approach directly supports the long-term direction of SSCP: communities that are safer, more adaptive, and more efficient – because their decisions are guided by verified information.

𝙍𝘿 𝘽𝙞𝙡𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙖’𝙨 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙧𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙇𝙂𝙐 𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩
Central to the successful conduct of the activity is the support and direction of DOST Region II Regional Director Dr. Virginia G. Bilgera, whose leadership continues to drive SSCP initiatives toward practical, LGU-ready outcomes. Her support for the training reflects DOST Region II’s commitment to building partnerships and enabling LGUs in the region to adopt science-based solutions that create visible community impact.

By convening LGUs in Cagayan Valley, SUCs, and national and international partners in one learning space, DOST Region II reinforces its role as a bridge – connecting global EO resources, national expertise, and local needs into one actionable pathway for development.

𝙈𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙
As the training concluded with the awarding of certificates and evaluation, the real outcome begins after the closing program: when LGUs in the region apply EO–GIS methods to local priorities, incorporate geospatial evidence into planning, and strengthen coordination across offices and stakeholders.

With CopPhil’s support and the sustained momentum of SSCP, DOST Region II continues its journey of helping LGUs in Cagayan Valley modernize governance so that development becomes smarter, public service becomes more responsive, and communities become more sustainable.

04/02/2026

𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬, 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐈𝐧: 𝐒𝐭𝐚. 𝐅𝐞 𝐋𝐆𝐔 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐒𝐒𝐂𝐏 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐃𝐞𝐯 𝐟𝐨𝐫 “𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚 𝐅𝐞” 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐚𝐩

STA. FE, Nueva Vizcaya — The Department of Science and Technology Regional Office II (DOST RO II), through the Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP), conducted a three-day SSCP Roadmapping Workshop to help the Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) of Sta. Fe craft a localized roadmap for smart and sustainable development on November 10–12, 2025 at Forest Park, Consuelo Baliling, Sta. Fe, Nueva Vizcaya, with participants from the LGU and partner stakeholders.

More than a technical workshop, the activity became a clear display of governance commitment: Sta. Fe’s Mayor, Hon. Liwayway C. Caramat, Vice Mayor, and Sangguniang Bayan members remained present throughout the entire capacity development (capdev) training, sitting with technical teams and stakeholders to be fully oriented on SSCP concepts, frameworks, and the demands of implementation. Their sustained participation helped ensure that the roadmap process was not only staff-driven, but leadership-owned—a key ingredient for translating plans into action on the ground.

𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙘 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨
The SSCP roadmapping workshop was designed to guide participants step-by-step—from building a common understanding, to visioning and prioritization, and finally to roadmap development and validation—ensuring a participatory and practical planning process grounded on Sta. Fe’s local realities.

𝘿𝙖𝙮 1 focused on clarifying what “smart and sustainable” means in local governance—highlighting that smart communities are not solely technology-driven, but anchored on responsive institutions, empowered citizens, and sustainable resource management. Participants reviewed the DOST SSCP framework and mapped existing initiatives and gaps to identify where interventions could add the most value.

𝘿𝙖𝙮 2 centered on visioning and strategic prioritization, allowing stakeholders to craft a shared direction for “Smart Santa Fe.” Priority sectors such as e-governance, smart agriculture, and social services were surfaced as focus areas where smart solutions can yield strong socio-economic impact. Stakeholder mapping and role identification further emphasized accountability and multi-sector collaboration.

𝘿𝙖𝙮 3 consolidated outputs into a draft roadmap, defining timelines, activities, and ways forward, supported by validation sessions to strengthen coherence across sectors and ensure implementable commitments.

𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: 𝙎𝙩𝙖. 𝙁𝙚 𝙧𝙤𝙖𝙙𝙢𝙖𝙥 𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧-𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙮 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨

As a concrete follow-through to the roadmapping process—and building on the Community-Driven Roadmap Workshop for the Cagayan Valley Smart City Belt—DOST RO II also convened a Collaborative Discussion and Commitment Setting for Sta. Fe to mobilize regional line agencies and align national programs with Sta. Fe’s priority interventions. The activity was set at the DOST RO II Conference Room on January 19, 2026 (9:00 AM), reinforcing that smart and sustainable solutions require coordinated action beyond a single office or sector.

To strengthen the municipality’s digital foundations—connectivity, interoperable platforms, and secure data ecosystems—DOST RO II engaged the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Region II, seeking guidance to align Sta. Fe’s roadmap with national digital transformation strategies and ICT standards. Key DICT programs highlighted for possible convergence included Free Wi-Fi for All, the National Broadband Program, eLGU systems, GovNet, and cybersecurity and data privacy initiatives, among others.

DOST RO II likewise invited other regional agencies—including DILG and DEPDev—to help translate the roadmap into localized, actionable interventions through program alignment, partnership opportunities, and concrete support commitments.

𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙮𝙨, 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙨
This SSCP initiative was carried forward through the leadership of DOST Region II Regional Director Virginia G. Bilgera, together with the on-ground coordination and support of DOST PSTO Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Director Engr. Jonathan Nuestro, strengthening both regional direction and local facilitation. Director Bilgera also formally advanced inter-agency convergence to sustain Sta. Fe’s momentum as a potential SSCP pilot or demonstration municipality.

The Sta. Fe experience underscores a crucial success factor for SSCP: when decision-makers learn the framework firsthand—together with implementers—planning becomes clearer, ownership becomes stronger, and implementation becomes more realistic. With Sta. Fe expressing intent to serve as a potential SSCP pilot or demonstration municipality, DOST RO II continues to work with the LGU and partner agencies to ensure that “Smart Santa Fe” moves from roadmap to measurable results for the community.

11/01/2026

Celebrating a Visionary Leader.

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫, 𝐃𝐫. 𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐚 𝐆. 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐚!

Today, we honor a leader who defines what it means to lead with both strength and grace. You are a true example of an empowered woman, inspiring us daily with your unwavering commitment to excellence and your courageous decision-making. Your leadership is not just about vision; it is rooted in genuine compassion for the people you lead and integrity in every action you take.

Thank you for being a mentor who uplifts those around you and for paving the way for others to lead with confidence. We wish you a year filled with renewed energy, exceptional health, and continued triumph.

With gratitude and best wishes,
your DOST - Region 2 Family 💙

17/12/2025

𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟐, 𝐏𝐋𝐆𝐔 𝐂𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧 & 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐮𝐛 (𝐢𝐇𝐮𝐛)

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 2 led by Dr. Virginia G. Bilgera, together with the Provincial Local Government of Cagayan conducts an Orientation and Exploratory Meeting for the establishment of Provincial Innovation Hub (iHub).

This meeting brought together the region's leading research and development consortia, the CVAARRD, CVIEERDEC, and CVHRDC together with its member institutions, along with the SINAG Cagayan Valley. This collaborative effort signifies the beginning of a concerted push to build a robust knowledge ecosystem for the entire province of Cagayan, positioning science, technology, and innovation at the forefront of regional development.