The City of San Fernando, La Union, in partnership with DOST Ilocos Region, successfully hosted the Smart and Sustainable Communities Summit 2025 on December 5, 2025.

With the theme “Innovating Together Toward Smart, Sustainable, and Inclusive Communities,” the Summit convened LGUs, NGAs, MSMEs, academe, industry partners, civil society, innovators, and community stakeholders to advance science-based, people-centered development.

DOST Undersecretary Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang highlighted the importance of innovation for learners, farmers, entrepreneurs, and vulnerable groups, presenting the DOST Smart and Sustainable Communities Program, emphasizing human well-being, wealth creation, protection, and sustainability.

In addition, Regional Director Dr. Teresita A. Tabaog underscored inclusive technology access, while Mayor Hermenegildo A. Gualberto reaffirmed the city’s commitment to innovation-driven growth.

Experts showcased programs supporting MSME growth, startup development, climate resilience, and smart city transformation, including DOST SETUP, iHubs, GeoRisk Philippines, Flood Monitoring Systems, and IoT applications for responsive governance.

Meanwhile, success stories, such as Ms. Joanne Dacquel’s entrepreneurial journey, highlighted the transformative role of science and technology.

The Summit also featured the Inter-School StartUp Competition and Aghamlikha Research Proposal Competition, promoting youth innovation. The winners are as follows:

AghamLikha Research Paper Competition Winners:

🥇1st Place: La Union National High School (IoT-Assisted In Vitro Micropropagation System for Bambusa blumeana or Kawayan Tinik)

🥈2nd Place: La Union Cultural Institute (BasurAI: Arduino-Based Trash Bin For Semi-Automated Sorting Of Compostable, Residual, And Recyclable Waste)

🥉3rd Place: Saint Louis College High School (Goat (Capra aegagrus hircus) Manure as a Biopolymeric Super Absorbent Gel)

Inter-school StartUp Challenge Winners:

🥇1st Place: Saint Louis College (AgurAI)

🥈2nd Place: Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University – South La Union Campus (OBRA: Opportunities Bridging for Remote Access)

🥉3rd Place: Union Christian College (BantA.I.)

The event concluded with a shared commitment among all sectors to build inclusive, resilient, and innovation-driven communities across San Fernando and the Ilocos Region.

Kakabsat, the City Government continues to collaborate with partner agencies to advance smarter, more resilient, and data-driven governance in the #PeoplesCity of #SanFernandoTayo.