Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. is urging communities in Eastern Visayas to harness science, technology and innovation in developing practical solutions to their needs.
The DOST chief made this appeal on Thursday during the three-day Regional Smart Communities Exposition and Networking Engagement (rSCENE) 2026 currently being held in Catbalogan City in Samar province.
Solidum said smart communities should not be measured by the amount of technology they have but by how these technologies respond to the needs of people and improve their daily lives.
“Science that responds, technology that enables, and innovation that creates opportunities,” Solidum said, underscoring the role of science and technology in community development.
He also called on Eastern Visayas to strengthen its capabilities in emerging fields, including artificial intelligence (AI), geospatial analytics, quantum technologies and biotechnology and explore how these can be applied to address local concerns.
“Technology should not be technology for technology’s sake,” Solidum said, emphasizing the need to ensure that innovations result in useful services and solutions for communities.
DOST Eastern Visayas Regional Director John Glenn Ocaña, meanwhile, said technology should be used to make public services more accessible, responsive and efficient.
The rSCENE 2026, being held at Tandaya Hall from Oct. 6 to 8, carries the theme “The Living Tapestry: Weaving the Threads of Innovation and Heritage.”
The event brings together local government units, government agencies, academe, technology practitioners, innovators and other partners to showcase technologies and initiatives supporting smart communities, digital governance and sustainable development.
Among the featured innovations is the USWAG Citizen Portal of Catbalogan City, or Unified System for Welfare, Access, and Governance, which consolidates various city services into a single digital platform.
The portal provides access to services including e-Reports, CATBus and Eco Truck tracking, e-Konsulta appointments and e-Trabaho.
The city also showcased Eco-Connect, a plastic-to-WiFi vending machine that combines plastic waste recovery with digital connectivity.
Other activities during the exposition include a 48-hour hackathon, robotics demonstrations, drone mapping, 3D printing, an AI Vibe Coding Challenge, digital art competitions, technology talks, the LGU Smart Solutions Gallery, Women in Tech and Innovation Forum and Idea Reverse Pitching.
The event also features the Himul-os Fashion Show, which highlights textile innovation through the use of banana fiber and other sustainable materials, linking technology with local resources and industry development. (PNA)
