The DOST brings Asia's Best Practices on Smart and Sustainable Cities and Communities in Ilocos Norte

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The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), with its vibrant international cooperation in advancing science, technology and innovation (STI) for the Filipino people, recently conducted “The Future of Communities Forum: Learning from Neighbors in Asia” as part of the 2025 National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (NSTW 2025) with the theme “Siyensya, Teknolohiya, at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Kinabukasan” and sub-theme “Building Smart and Sustainable Communities”. The Forum was held last 21 November 2025 at 9:00-11:00 AM at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Hall Arena, Laoag City.

Through its partnerships globally, the DOST is leveraging international expertise in capacitating Filipinos as well as advancing research and innovation in the country. For the Forum, the DOST invited four (4) experts from Asia who delivered compelling presentations and discussions about their respective country’s experience in implementing policies and projects on smart and sustainable cities and communities.

Dr. Wasan Pattara-atikom, a distinguished leader in Thailand's technology and research landscape, discussed Thailand’s AI strategies and policies, its challenges, employment policy, governance mechanism, partnerships, infrastructure, and key plans for the next phase. Dr. Wassan  was able to apply these principles in his project Traffy Fondue, a smart city platform where citizens can easily report everyday problems—like potholes, broken streetlights, or uncollected garbage—directly to the responsible government agencies using their smartphones.

Dr. Alvin Yeo presented about Singapore’s nascent agrifood ecosystem, underpinned by innovation, sustainability and resilience. With limited land and natural resources, there is a need to catalyse innovative farming systems from vertical farms, close-containment aquaculture to greenhouses to “grow more with less” and boost output in a climate-resilient manner. Collaboration with industry and research partners is also key to advance R&D in areas such as crop yields, disease management and novel food to keep pace with rapid innovation while ensuring high standards of food safety.

Atty. Mu-hyuck “Badger” Lee, Director of the Investment Policy Support Department at the Korea Overseas Infrastructure & Urban Development Corporation (KIND), discussed his experiences with the K-City Network (KCN) and the Economic Innovation Partnership Program (EIPP) funding—Korea’s flagship policy-finance instruments designed to promote global smart city and infrastructure development through holistic and bankable project planning and solution application.

Lastly, the participants also heard from Hon. Mayor Caesar Dy, Jr. of Cauayan, Isabella. He presented about their Smart and Sustainable Community Journey, challenges and milestones, interplay of smart technologies, policies, and human resources, as well as the invaluable support of the DOST in Cauayan’s efforts. 

Though experiences are diverse, all the efforts globally align in the aspect of improving the lives of their people. This also mirrors the DOST’s core mandate wherein SSCP was anchored. In her keynote presentation, DOST Undersecretary Leah J. Buendia mentioned “The Smart and Sustainable Communities Program ties these efforts together — enabling DOST not only to build technologies but to ensure that these technologies build better lives. As we discuss the Future of Communities, let us remember that the future we are building is not about technology alone.  It is about people — their resilience, creativity, and shared commitment to sustainability.” This was also affirmed by DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. during the opening ceremony of the NSTW 2025. In his statement, he said, “A community can be smart but not sustainable, sustainable but not smart — and both can be meaningless if they are not built for people. After all the technologies, models, and systems, smart and sustainable communities return to one truth, they are built for people.”

The Forum also featured a panel discussion and Q&A segment, where participants engaged with the speakers on topics such as smart governance, sustainable urban planning, mobility systems, and digital transformation. The panel discussion provided an avenue for the speakers to delve into the different nuances of the smart and sustainable cities and communities initiative, accounting the other factors that would have to be considered in building smart and sustainable cities and communities. It was closed with an interactive game with the audience followed by a short wrap up of the discussion.

The Forum was attended by more than 200 participants from the Local Government Units (LGUs), National Government Agencies (NGAs), Academe, International Partners, Private Sector and Industry Partners, and students. [End] (By: OUSECRD-International Technology Cooperation Unit, DOST)

The Forum speakers receive certificates of appreciation from DOST Undersecretary Leah Buendia (rightmost) with DOST Undersecretary Sancho Mabborang (leftmost)

The Forum speakers engage in a panel discussion to delve deeper into their smart and sustainable communities practices

Dr. Pattara-atikom shares about Thailand’s smart and sustainable practices at the panel discussion

DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. graces the Forum on Future of Communities

Dr. Alvin Yeo presents about Singapore’s nascent agrifood ecosystem

Director Mu-Hyuck “Badger” Lee discusses about K-City Network (KCN) and the Economic Innovation Partnership Program (EIPP) funding

Dr. Wasan Pattara-atikom presents Thailand’s AI strategies and policies

 Cauayan City Mayor Caesar Dy, Jr. shares about the Cauayan City’s experience in employing smart and sustainable practices in the LGU

Group photo of the Future of Communities: Learning from Neighbors in Asia

DOST Undersecretary Leah Buendia delivers a keynote address at the Forum focusing on the DOST’s technologies and initiatives on smart and sustainable communities