The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has cited the significant role of the local government units in improving Filipinos’ quality of life through building sustainable communities and cities.
DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña said they consider LGUs as their partner in pushing for innovation in urban spaces.
"I strongly believe in the significant role of our local government units as our partner in pushing forth the boundaries of innovation in our country.
Together we can achieve a better and more sustainable future for our people. Innovation will pave the way for sustainable urban development, and the participation of different government bodies is very important,” he said during the SMART City webinar initiated by the DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) on Thursday, Oct. 7.
The webinar focused on “Building Sustainable Communities and Cities in the Philippines.”
“I think there is no better time than now to invest in using DOST-led and-supported innovations to improve Filipinos’ quality of life through smart and sustainable means. This begins by propagating better cities through transformations in the process of building and managing urban spaces.”
He expressed hope that communities will be encouraged to adopt harmonized approach towards achieving a sustainable future with a more efficient, competitive, productive, open, and transparent city – a smart city.
“This is something that our neighbors in Asia have already actively been engaged in, whether we are speaking of smart homes, smart products, smart transportation, smart lifestyle, and smart governance.”
“I therefore enjoin each and every community to take part in PCIEERD’s initiatives as it aims to pursue a smarter and better future through innovation.”
De la Peña expressed the agency’s commitment to continue supporting the development of smart and sustainable cities and communities.
“DOST is committed to support the development of smart, sustainable cities and communities in the country through smart appropriate technologies.”
"We will be at the forefront of bridging the gap between technology generators and adaptors for them to be able to collaborate productively. We will continue with the needed R&D in support of these initiatives towards smarter cities. We are one with our nation in speeding up recovery and in leapfrogging to achieve our needed growth.”