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Local government

Digital Governance Takes Center Stage in Western Visayas

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Western Visayas has identified digital governance as a priority, aiming to scale up smart community projects through partnerships with local governments under its Smart and Sustainable Communities program. This initiative seeks to integrate technology into basic services and governance systems, making local government operations more efficient and accessible. The program is aligned with Western Visayas' target to become one of the country's most artificial intelligence (AI)-driven and economically competitive regions by 2030.

Key Takeaways:

  • The DOST Region 6 Director, Rowen Gelonga, has emphasized the importance of digital transformation in local governments, citing the need for more efficient and accessible services.
  • Ongoing projects in the region, such as Safe Roxas, Project Lungsod, and Innovate Iloilo, aim to enhance city services and innovation-driven development.
  • The Smart and Sustainable Communities program is linked to Western Visayas' goal of becoming a top AI-driven and economically competitive region by 2030.
  • The DOST has committed to funding research and development in AI, focusing on regional priorities.
  • Western Visayas has recorded a 7.2 percent regional growth rate as of the fourth quarter of 2022.
  • The Balik Scientist Program is being tapped to support innovation in sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and packaging development.
  • Since 1975, 674 scientists have returned to the Philippines under the Balik Scientist Program, with 40 of them based in Western Visayas.
  • Most returning experts under the program come from North America, followed by Asia and Europe.

Statistics:

  • 7.2 percent: Regional growth rate of Western Visayas as of the fourth quarter of 2022 (Philippine Statistics Authority)
  • 40: Number of scientists from Western Visayas participating in the Balik Scientist Program (Philippine Statistics Authority)
  • 674: Total number of scientists who have returned to the Philippines under the Balik Scientist Program since 1975 (10th Annual Balik Scientist Program)
  • 1975: Establishment year of the Balik Scientist Program
  • 10th Annual Balik Scientist Program: Data source for numbers of returning experts and their countries of origin

Sources:

  • DOST Region 6 Director Rowen Gelonga's statement to the BusinessMirror
  • Western Visayas' Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Week
  • BusinessMirror article on the Smart and Sustainable Communities program
  • Philippine Statistics Authority data on regional growth rates
  • 10th Annual Balik Scientist Program data on returning experts

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