(Photo by PNA)
TACLOBAN CITY – Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. has urged communities in Eastern Visayas to use science, technology and innovation to develop practical solutions that directly address local needs.
Solidum made the call Thursday during the Regional Smart Communities Exposition and Networking Engagement (rSCENE) 2026 in Catbalogan City, Samar.
He said smart communities should not be defined simply by how much technology they use, but by how effectively these tools improve people’s lives and make public services more responsive.
“Science that responds, technology that enables, and innovation that creates opportunities,” Solidum said.
He also encouraged the region to strengthen its capabilities in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, geospatial analytics, quantum technologies and biotechnology.
“Technology should not be technology for technology’s sake,” Solidum said, stressing that innovation should result in useful services and practical solutions for communities.
DOST Eastern Visayas Regional Director John Glenn Ocaña likewise said technology should help make government services more accessible, efficient and responsive.
The three-day rSCENE 2026, held at Tandaya Hall from Oct. 6 to 8, carries the theme “The Living Tapestry: Weaving the Threads of Innovation and Heritage.”
The event gathers local government units, national agencies, academic institutions, technology practitioners, innovators and other stakeholders to showcase initiatives supporting smart communities, digital governance and sustainable development.
Among the featured technologies is Catbalogan City’s USWAG Citizen Portal, or Unified System for Welfare, Access, and Governance, which integrates several city services into a single digital platform.
The portal provides access to e-Reports, CATBus and Eco Truck tracking, e-Konsulta appointments and e-Trabaho.
Catbalogan also showcased Eco-Connect, a plastic-to-WiFi vending machine designed to promote plastic waste recovery while providing digital connectivity.
Other activities include a 48-hour hackathon, robotics demonstrations, drone mapping, 3D printing, an AI Vibe Coding Challenge, digital art competitions, technology talks and the LGU Smart Solutions Gallery.
The event also features a Women in Tech and Innovation Forum, Idea Reverse Pitching and the Himul-os Fashion Show, which highlights textile innovation using banana fiber and other sustainable materials.
