By Claire Bernadette A. Mondares, DOST-STII
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has named the first set of nominees for the Philippine Smart and Sustainable Cities Awards, during the 3rd International Smart City Exposition and Networking Engagement (iSCENE) 2025, held at Cauayan City, Isabela.
Organized in the Philippines, iSCENE provides a venue for discussions, sharing of best practices, strategies, and exhibition of different innovative solutions from well-renowned international, national speakers and industry partners promoting the implementation of the Smart and Sustainable Communities Framework of DOST aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).
For the past two years since the Smart and Sustainable Cities Program of the DOST was introduced through the iSCENE, local government units (LGUs) across the country expressed their interest to partner with DOST and adopt smart and sustainable technologies applicable to address certain problems in their area.
“Well, we defined a smart city as an inclusive, people centric digitally transformed program of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST),” DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang said in a press conference. “Now, ang unang criteria na tinitignan namin is yung interest ng isang LGU. Ang tinatawag ko nga dito ay yung mga believers. Yung naniniwala na kapag ginamit ang science, technology, and innovation, we can achieve progress, development and improve the socio-economic conditions of a community, an area or a city.”
Smart city, according to DOST is a community that uses technology and innovation to enhance urban functionality, sustainability, and livability, making it more responsive to its inhabitants.
It added that a smart city uses Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to improve the quality of life for citizens, enhance service delivery, foster a competitive economy, and promote a sustainable environment.
This year, to recognize their efforts and courage to develop their communities through science, technology and innovation, DOST opened a search for the Philippine Smart and Sustainable Communities Awards.
Among the 58 entries received by the DOST, 29 cities from Northern, South Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao Clusters were nominated as follows in no particular order:
Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) Region I (Ilocos Region)
Baguio City San Fernando City, La Union
Tabuk City, Kalinga Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
Region II (Cagayan Valley) Region III (Central Luzon)
Diffun, Quirino Tarlac City, Tarlac
Santiago City, Isabela Balanga City, Bataan
Provincial LGU Batanes San Fernando City, Pampanga
Cauayan City, Isabela Malolos City, Bulacan
Region IV-A (CALABARZON) Region IV-B (MIMAROPA)
Santa Rosa City, Laguna Narra, Palawan
Carmona City, Cavite Bataraza, Palawan
NCR (National Capital Region) Region V (Bicol Region)
Muntinlupa City Prieto Diaz, Sorsogon
Quezon City Legazpi City, Albay
Naga City, Camarines Sur
Region VI (Western Visayas) Region VIII (Eastern Visayas)
Bacolod City, Negros Occidental Catbalogan City, Samar
Maasin City, Southern Leyte
Region IX (Zamboanga Peninsula) Region X (Northern Mindanao)
Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental
Iligan City, Lanao del Norte
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon
Region XIII (Caraga Region)
Butuan City, Agusan del Norte
“To all the awardees and nominees, may your work continue to inspire others. And may this platform strengthen our collective resolve to create a country where smart and sustainable living is not the exception, but the norm,” Science chief Renato U. Solidum Jr. said.
“On behalf of the entire DOST family, thank you for walking this journey with us. We look forward to continuing this partnership, grounded in service, powered by science, and guided by a shared dream for a brighter future. Together, let us leverage the power of science, technology, and innovation towards solutions, opportunities for all,” he added.
Entries from different LGUs were categorized into four themes: Human Well-being, Wealth Creation, Wealth Protection and Sustainability and the nominees were judged based on innovation, impact, sustainability, relevance, and implementation.
The top entries for each category will be recognized during the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) 2025, along with the grand champion. Winners will receive a plaque of recognition, and a project fund of P500,000 to 1 million pesos. The winning project of the winning LGU will also be documented as a best-practice case study which will be shared with other LGUs and stakeholders.
The Smart and Sustainable Communities Framework is an initiative by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions, Opportunities for All. For more information, visit www.dost.gov.ph.
Ms. Mae Ferrer-Llamas, PhD (certificate holder), development and investment promotions officer from Bacolod City LGU, along with her team receives the certificate of recognition for being nominated to Philippine Smart and Sustainable Communities Awards 2025, held on May 23, 2025 at Isabela Convention Center (Photo from Patrick James Lee C. Alfonso, DOST-STII)
