TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in this region turned over to the city government of Catbalogan cash assistance worth P500,00 for the digitalization program of the city government services.
The assistance was received by City Mayor Dexter Uy from DOST-8 OIC Regional Director Marilyn Radam and OIC-Assistant Regional Director Ramil Uy.
“This grant serves as the initial funding for the commencement of the Smart City Project, spearheaded by the Catbalogan City Information, Communication, and Technology Office (CITCO),” according to Mayor Uy during the turnover of the cash assistance on Friday(Jan.26).
Smart City Project is a program of the DOST that facilitates the integration of various technologies and to improve local government services for the benefit of the communities.
In June 2023, Mayor Uy asked the Sangguniang Panlungsod to support the Catbalogan City’s information, and communication technology innovations projects which they approved and endorsed to the DOST regional office.
“The collaboration between DOST and Catbalogan City marks the beginning of an innovative journey with the potential for long-term technological advancements and the establishment of crucial infrastructure for the benefit of the community,” the city mayor said.
In her message, Radam underscores the significance of e-governance and its role in meeting the needs and expectations of the city residents.
Catbalogan is one of the major areas in Eastern Visayas the DOST is assisting for the implementation of its Smart City Project.
Aside from Catbalogan, other areas in the region that have the same program include Calbayog City in Samar; Catarman in Northern Samar; Borongan City in Eastern Samar; Naval in Biliran; and the cities of Tacloban and Ormoc in Leyte, and Maasin City in Southern Leyte.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
