THE SIGNING OF A MEMORANDUM of Partnership Agreement (MOPA) for the conduct of the Regional Smart Communities Exposition and Networking Engagement (rSCENE) 2025 finally happened, with the event taking place at the Summit Hotel in Tacloban City on March 5, 2025.
The said activity serves as a start to the upcoming rSCENE 2025, which will be hosted by Catbalogan City on June 15-18, 2025. The rSCENE activity, meanwhile, will serve as an avenue to exhibit innovative technologies and smart solutions towards sustainable development. Accordingly, the essence and purpose of rSCENE 2025 is to highlight the city’s commitment to smart city principles, utilizing technology to address urban challenges, streamline city operations, and promote economic growth.
The Smart and Sustainable Communities (SMART) Program, a DOST project that fosters smart, sustainable, resilient, and inclusive communities by taking into account their uniqueness, readiness, and growth potentials, was introduced by John Glenn Ocaña, Regional Director of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 8. Ocaña explained that Catbalogan City was a good fit for the program because, among other things, the LGU had a vision that matched the program’s objectives and a strong appreciation for science and technology.
On the other hand, in his message of support, DILG 8 Regional Director Arnel M. Agabe stated that Catbalogan City is making significant strides in the direction of a future distinguished by innovation, growth, and increased inclusivity. “Becoming a smart city is about transforming governance to be more efficient, responsive, and centered around the needs of the people,” said Agabe.
Furthermore, Catbalogan City Mayor Dexter M. Uy highlighted the optimism around the city’s prospects for smart development and committed to providing the necessary resources and fostering an atmosphere that would allow creative ideas to flourish. “We hope that through this partnership, we will be able to harness technology to create tangible, positive change,” said Mayor Uy.
The said signing was also attended by representatives from the Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Samar State University (SSU) and BBCS Data Systems. (By Gwen Maurillo / EV Mail March 3-9, 2025 issue)
