Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. emphasized the importance of building smart and sustainable communities during the opening of the Cordillera Administrative Region’s celebration of the 2025 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW).

Solidum pointed out that the region's high functional literacy rate among Filipinos aged 10 to 64 is a strong foundation for investing in the development of smart cities.

The DOST-CAR, in collaboration with the DOST Regional Office 2, launched the Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP), which aims to transform local government units (LGUs) into innovative, technology-driven, and community-centered hubs.

Solidum said that DOST’s initial goal was to establish 80 smart and sustainable communities, but despite its overwhelming demand, about “93 LGUs are now actively engaged, demonstrating strong local government interest in embracing people-centric and technology-driven approaches to transform their communities into models of resilience, sustainability, and inclusivity,” Solidum revealed.

In CAR, there are seven SSCP pilot beneficiaries: Lagayan (Abra), Santa Marcela (Apayao), Baguio City and La Trinidad (Benguet), Alfonso Lista (Ifugao), Tabuk City (Kalinga), and Bauko (Mountain Province). Since its 2023 launch, DOST has invested over PhP 21 million in these pilot LGUs.

Moreover, DOST-CAR Regional Director Nancy R. Bantog said in reference with the theme “Building Smart and Sustainable Communities,” that it is not just a call to action but a vision, a collective challenge, and an opportunity to innovate, collaborate, and transform the way Filipinos live, work, and interact with each other.

“As we stand in the midst of a rapidly evolving world, the question is no longer if we will embrace smart technologies but rather how we will maximally harness science and technology and, at the same time, how we will continuously break the status quo through innovation for a better and sustainable future,” said Director Bantog.

Aside from the SSCP, DOST-CAR also implements other DOST flagship programs such as the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) and the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST).

SETUP specifically drives the growth and innovation to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which make up 99.63% of the country’s business establishments and contribute 66.97% of total employment.

“By providing science and technology solutions, capacity building, and financial assistance, the program enables MSMEs to become more competitive and sustainable. It aims to transform these enterprises into SMARTER businesses—Smarter, More Agile, Resource-efficient, Technology-intensive, Environment-friendly, and Resilient—ensuring long-term socio-economic impact,” said Sec. Solidum.

From 2022 to 2025 alone, DOST-CAR have assisted 162 MSMEs involved in food processing, agriculture, metals and engineering, and other priority industries with a total investment of PhP129 million.

Meanwhile, CEST Program offers to improve the quality of life in vulnerable and underserved communities, including Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas, coastal, and Indigenous People communities, women’s groups, urban poor, and areas affected by insurgencies.

The program strengthens local capacities and fosters self-reliant, empowered communities by focusing on five priority areas: economic and livelihood development, health and nutrition improvement, human resource development, environmental protection, and disaster risk reduction and management.

From 2022 to 2025, it assisted at least 51 LGUs and communities with over PhP61 million in DOST counterpart funding.

“Together, the SSCP, SETUP, and CEST programs generated 1,134 jobs and PhP1.17 billion in gross sales over the past four years. These achievements reflect tangible improvements in the lives of Cordillerans, going beyond mere economic growth,” said Solidum.

Lastly, the secretary also mentioned that the science department also implements programs in the region, such as iFWD PH (Innovations for Filipinos Working Distantly from the Philippines), which helps OFWs, and their families start technology-based businesses. From 2022 to 2025, 21 OFWs were trained and 4 received projects, with total support amounting to PhP941,500 in CAR.

Several marquee events will be held over a three-day span. These include the DOST-CAR honoring innovators through the SETUP PRAISE Awards and Best CEST Community Award, highlighting how MSMEs and communities embrace technology to build sustainable businesses and resilient ecosystems.

A turnover ceremony for the Artificial Groundwater Recharge Facilities to Baguio City and La Trinidad, the launch of the iHUB for collaborative innovation, and the opening of the region’s first Advanced Manufacturing Center to boost competitiveness will also be conducted. Industry-focused forums will tackle smart agriculture, mountain engineering, and health solutions, while the 2025 Smart City Challenge will engage youth in STI-driven urban development.

To showcase MSME successes, the DOSTCARtified Techno Bazaar will feature 38 enterprises supported by SETUP, CEST, and SSCP. Interactive exhibits at Saint Louis University Navy Base Campus—including the Planetarium, Escape Room, and NuLab: STEM in Motion—will provide immersive science and technology experiences for students from August 7–9, 2025 at the Newtown Hotel in Baguio City.

The STARBOOKS Whizbee quiz competition will further inspire youth to explore science-related careers while promoting teamwork and healthy competition.

2025 RSTW are among the many initiatives of the Department of Science and Technology 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.nstw.dost.gov.ph. (By Allan Mauro V. Marfal, DOST-STII)