AKLAN — The municipality of New Washington has been officially launched by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Western Visayas as the first local government unit in the region to implement the Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP).
The initiative aims to harness science, technology, and innovation to improve public service delivery, promote inclusive growth, and advance long-term sustainability in local communities.
Launched in partnership with the Local Government Unit of New Washington, the program seeks to empower local governments through digital solutions, innovative systems thinking, and collaborative approaches that support sustainable development.
Among the key interventions under the SSCP is the deployment of DOST-developed SmartGov and Barangay Infosystem for Development and Accountability (BIDA), e-governance platforms designed to help barangays and government offices digitalize transactions, improve data management, and streamline administrative processes.
Officials said the systems are expected to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accessibility of government services.
DOST Western Visayas will also strengthen the municipality’s agriculture sector through Project SARAI, or Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry in the Philippines. The project will provide farmers with access to science-based tools for crop monitoring, pest and disease management, and crop yield optimization.
To bolster disaster preparedness, the agency will introduce Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) technologies such as the Strategic Incident Georeferencing for Nationwide Alertness (SIGNAL) and Bantay Panahon systems. These tools are expected to improve weather monitoring, hazard assessment, and emergency response coordination within the municipality.
Present during the launch were DOST Western Visayas Regional Director Engr. Rowen R. Gelonga, Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations Keithlyn Sarah B. Bernardino, DOST Aklan Provincial Director Dyna Rose R. Gubatanga, and New Washington Mayor Atty. Shimonette P. Francisco, along with Vice Mayor Jesus B. Quimpo and members of the Sangguniang Bayan.
In his message, Gelonga emphasized the importance of balancing technological advancement with sustainable development.
“As we embrace digital transformation and other new technologies, let us not forget to ensure that our development is sustainable,” Gelonga said. “A truly smart municipality is one that embraces sustainable development.”/PN
