TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) -- Following the success of the smart city initiative in Cauayan City, Isabela, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 2 is set to introduce the concept to the Local Government Units (LGUs) in the Cagayan Valley region.

The “Smart City” initiative is designed to transform traditional networks and services into digital solutions to make them more efficient for the benefit of the citizens and businesses.

Regional Director Virginia Bilgera of DOST 2 said the goal is to help address challenges in the region with the use of science and technology, and innovations (STI) for sustainable development particularly in achieving high quality of life, a competitive economy, and sustainability.

Last year, DOST successfully conducted the iSCENE or International Smart City Exposition and Networking Engagement project at the Isabela Convention Center in Cauayan City, Isabela, showcasing the healthcare innovations utilizing artificial intelligence and new fields of information and communication technologies in digital health, in conjunction with an exhibit of its latest technologies under the program featuring five of its supported projects.

Some of the "smarter" innovations of DOST include the integration of e-governance where they created systems like e-payments and e-commerce to make transactions more accessible and faster for the public especially in getting permits, paying bills, and taxes via websites that save time and more convenient transactions.

Moreover, Bilgera also mentioned the integration of smart communication where they plan to partner with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) for the establishment of BPOs also known as call center in Cauayan City and Tuguegarao City. Job opportunities were anticipated for the residents. Bilgera also mentioned their plan to offer courses related to BPO in partnership with SUCs and HEIs.

Meanwhile, in Cauayan City, there are already areas ready for investment.

According to Bilgera, they have coordinated with potential investors and are awaiting formal discussions. She also assures that they have graduates ready to be their partners.

Also in support to the city's "Smarter People" concept, DOST scholarships were granted to almost 1,000 undergraduates, according to Bilgera. (OTB/MFJ/PIA Region 2)