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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DILG: PH assumes '2026 ASEAN Smart Cities Network' leadership

DILG: PH assumes '2026 ASEAN Smart Cities Network' leadership

Published Oct 4, 2025 12:27 pm  |  Updated Oct 4, 2025 01:47 pm
The Philippines will take the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) Smart Cities Network (ASCN) in 2026.
In a statement, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), confirmed that chairmanship was formally transferred on Sept. 9 by Malaysia’s Deputy Secretary-General Mohd Hazli Bin Ahmad Adnan to DILG Undersecretary Marlo L. Iringan. 
Iringan said the turn over signaled the country's reinforced dedication to leading regional smart, resilient, and people-centered urbanization.
During the 8th ASCN Annual Meeting, Iringan highlighted that being a smart community is not merely about installing high-tech infrastructure; it is fundamentally about ensuring accountable and efficient local governance that directly improves the lives of citizens.
The DILG's leadership will focus on integrating technological advancement with the core Bagong Pilipinas mandate.
In the 8th ASCN annual confab, Iringan presented the demonstrable progress of our member cities, including the Command City Upgrade and e-Government Service in Manila and the strategic implementation of the Converged Command Center and Control in Davao.
In terms of driving the local government’s accountability, Iringan also stated that the expansion of the ASCN to include Cauayan City in 2025 emphasizes the national drive to ensure all LGUs, regardless of size, adopt the standards necessary for efficient service delivery.
Iringan stressed that the ongoing initiatives showcase tangible, modern solutions, referring to Cebu’s Automated Citywide Traffic Control System and Bus Rapid Transit System and Davao’s focus on Intelligent Transportation and Security, highlighting the global best practices.
“These projects demonstrate that smart cities are not an abstract idea. They are real solutions that improve daily life–faster services, safer streets, more efficient mobility, and stronger resilience,” Iringan clarified.
The DILG also featured the Developing Resilient, Innovative, Vibrant, and Efficient Smart Local Governments Nationwide (DRIVEN) Program, implemented with the World Bank, which lays the groundwork for a Philippine Smart Local Governments (PSLG) platform. 
Iringan expounded that the initiative will unite LGUs and partners nationwide to integrate digital governance, sustainable infrastructure, and citizen-driven innovation.
“Being a smart and sustainable community is not just about high-tech infrastructure, but also about fostering a sense of community, creativity, and resilience among its citizens,” he added.
Established in 2018 in Singapore, the ASCN is a collaborative platform that connects 35 cities across Southeast Asia to pursue innovative and sustainable solutions to urban challenges
With its chairmanship, the Philippines will steer the ASCN’s collaboration among 35 cities across Southeast Asia, building on its track record to position Filipino LGUs at the forefront of regional efforts to modernize urban governance, advance climate resilience, and enhance the quality of life for all citizens.
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