CATBALOGAN CITY– The provincial government of Samar was chosen as one of the pilot areas for iSTART and SMART City Projects of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST 8).
As such, the province welcomed DOST 8 delegates headed by Regional Director Ernesto Granada, for a collaborative meeting last June 7, 2023.
Gov. Sharee Ann Tan shared her enthusiasm, saying, “We really want to provide a legacy to the province. We are so grateful to DOST, and we are so excited for Catbalogan City and Calbayog City.”
“We are here to support these projects. If there is anything that we can be of help, just let us know how we can assist you,” the governor added.
PLGU Samar also tapped Samar State University (SSU) and the Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU) as partners in the implementation of the DOST projects.
“Our state universities also have the expertise and they can help us. We will not only be working hard. We will be working smart,” Gov. Tan said.
Meanwhile, the SUC presidents, Dr. Marilyn Cardoso of SSU and Dr. Benjamin Pecayo of NWSSU, pledged their commitment and resources for the success of the projects.
iSTART is a platform for the strategic alignment of the DOST technology transfer programs and projects, engagements of Researchers, Scientists, and Engineers (RSEs), and conduct of research and development needed to create or improve micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in support to the development of the countryside.
On the other hand, the SMART Program or Smart and Sustainable Communities aims to transform cities to become SMART Cities where initiatives and approaches are taken effectively to leverage digitalization with the goal of improving the people’s quality of life, government efficiency, health and wellness, economic development, and public safety, among others.(SAMAR PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)
