The Department of Science and Technology (DoST) launched the final leg of its Regional Science and Technology Week (RSTW) on Monday, focusing on building smart and sustainable communities that are inclusive of vulnerable sectors.

DoST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. highlighted the challenge in development efforts, noting that they often become either “exclusive” or “extractive.” He explained that exclusive development marginalizes vulnerable sectors, while extractive development extensively uses natural resources without proper replenishment.

“With our endless and incessant pursuit of economic growth, somehow development efforts reach two points — either development becomes exclusive, or extractive, or both,” Solidum said.

To counter this, the DoST is promoting its Smart and Sustainable Community Program, which aims to help local government units (LGUs) adopt people-centric, technology-driven development strategies.

Solidum cited a 2024 study revealing that 70 percent of LGUs nationwide are planning to become smart cities, with 61 percent already having initiatives.

A major highlight of the event was the DoST’s turnover of specific, technology-driven roadmaps to Pasig City and Caloocan City. The plans — dubbed the Kalookan Initiative for Leadership Outcome, Science and Sustained Development and Accelerating Growth and Opportunities through Science For Progressive, Adaptation and Sustainable Innovation for Governance — are intended to guide the cities’ development in the coming years.