THE DEPARTMENT of Science and Technology in Region 2 recently introduced the first-ever Smarter City Belt Project in the Philippines to spur economic growth in the region.

“Achieving this would not be easy, but it is possible. If we all work together in nurturing Cagayan Valley, it is achievable to make every city in the region a smarter city,” DOST-Region II Director Sancho Mabborang said during the presentation of the Smarter City Belt concept.

Smarter City Belt is a collaborative project that aims to make cities in the region future ready. This can be done by using the latest technologies and innovations from DOST, the research and development outputs from the state universities and colleges and other higher education institutions.

The project also aims to address challenges in the region through the use of science, technology and innovation.

During its launch on March 23, 2021, DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña congratulated DOST II for its vision of creating smarter cities in Cagayan Valley.

De la Peña said that the project will provide more employment opportunities in the region.

“May our smarter cities be for the benefit of the majority, especially our workers who help sustain Cagayan Valley. May our services and leadership be for the region and its people,” he added.

Mayor Jefferson P. Soriano of Tuguegarao City and Mayor Joseph Tan of Santiago City, Isabela thanked the DOST and other partner agencies for their support to achieve the Smarter City goals.

As the prime model of Smarter City in the Philippines, Mayor Bernard Dy of Cauayan City, Isabela also presented their experiences and journey as well as their accomplishments since they initially implemented the Smarter City project.

“We are on the right track to improve the life of our citizens. Smarter City is a lifestyle of the cities as well as the citizens,” Dy said.

DOST II awarded P1 million to the local government unit of Tuguegarao City as its “seed” fund for the implementation of the project, especially for its Smarter Health initiatives.

A memorandum of agreement was signed between DOST, Cagayan State University and University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao to seal the partnership.

The cities included in the Smarter City Belt Project in Region II are Cauayan City in Isabela, Tuguegarao City in Cagayan, and Santiago City, Ilagan City in Isabela. Also included in the project are the towns of Bayombong and Solano in Nueva Vizcaya, Maddela, Cabarroguis and Diffun in Quirino, Lallo and Sta. Ana in Cagayan, and Basco in Batanes Islands.