The City Government of San Fernando, La Union collaborated with the researchers, academe, business sector, including digital and tourism industry, to explore data-driven solutions in addressing water and traffic management problems during the break-out session, “Collaborate and Innovate: Reverse Pitching for Urban Solutions” as part of the concluding activity of 2nd Regional Research, Development and Innovation Symposium held at J&V Hotel and Resort, Barangay Sevilla on November 15, 2024.

To start the program, Engr. Germie O. Deang, City Information and Communication Technology Office (CICTO) Department Head, delivered her opening remarks. Meanwhile, Ms. Rizalyn D. Medrano, Local Economic and Business Development Office (LEBDO) Department Head, served as the facilitator during the event.

Afterwards, the current situation and monitoring challenges in traffic management were presented by Mr. Augusto D. Gacayan, Office for Public Safety (OPS) Head, followed by City Environmental and Natural Resource Office (CENRO) represented by Engr. Lea Ohelen to discuss the salt intrusion and low recharge rate problems in managing water resources. Moreover, Mr. Patrick Henry Decena emphasized the frequency of garbage collection in solid waste management.

Other urban situation and challenges were also shared by Mr. Xavier Mercado, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of La Union (CCILU) President, representing the business sector; Mr. John Supsupin, Armada Logics CEO, representing the digital industry; and Mr. Randall B. Brioso, DOT-accredited regional and community guides, representing the tourism industry.

Furthermore, Dr. Sheena I. Sapuay, Dean of the College of Information Technology in Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University – Mid La Union Campus (DMMMSU-MLUC), shared the relevant features of the project, “Prescriptive Navigation through Vision-based Traffic Monitoring for City of San Fernando, La Union” to improve real-time traffic monitoring.

Meanwhile, Mr. Genesis C. Omo, Instructor I at the College of Information System in DMMMSU – North La Union Campus (NLUC), gave an overview of the Project Broadcast Alert Notification Network for Urgent Actions and Responses (BANNUAR) which aims to streamline reporting of crime using digital platform.

Lastly, Forester Eunice Dea V. Villapando, college instructor at the College of Agroforestry and Forestry in DMMMSU-NLUC, highlighted the role of Ridge-to-reef/Watershed Ecosystem Approach in addressing problems on water resource management.

The breakout session concluded with valuable insights on researches, projects and approaches that can be explored to improve urban life here at the #PeoplesCity of #SanFernandoTayo.