The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) kicked off the last leg of its Regional Science and Technology Week (RSTW) on Monday, 24 November 2025. The event focused on building a smart and sustainable community.

DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. highlighted the importance of ensuring that development is not only continuous but also inclusive for vulnerable sectors. According to the DOST chief, all kinds of development eventually reach two points: they become exclusive or extractive.

Sec. Solidum explained that development becomes “exclusive” when vulnerable sectors are left out of the development plan, while it becomes “extractive” when natural resources are extensively used without the intention of restoring them.

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

DOST further pushed its Smart and Sustainable Community Program to help local government units (LGUs) pursue people-centric development through technology-driven strategies.

Sec. Solidum cited a 2024 study that revealed that 70 percent of LGUs in the Philippines are planning to become smart cities, with 61 percent already implementing smart city initiatives and 56 percent adopting policies on the use of smart solutions for governance, safety, security, infrastructure, and planning.

One of the highlights of the program was the turnover of roadmap plans crafted by DOST for Pasig City and Caloocan City. The Kalookan Initiative for Leadership Outcome, Science and Sustained Development (KILOS) and Accelerating Growth and Opportunities through Science for Progressive, Adaptation and Sustainable Innovation for Governance (AGOS PASIG) are designed to guide the cities’ long-term development.

The roadmaps serve as blueprints for the cities in the coming years, developed jointly with DOST. Sec. Solidum said the goal is to ensure continuity of progress even when local administrations change.

“Project planning must be participatory, which means co-creation. That is why what we shared in Caloocan and Pasig is a roadmap for the cities to become smart and sustainable, and we did this together with them. Of course, we facilitate their desires and give additional ideas,” Sec. Solidum said.

“Because, as you know, when the administration changes, sometimes the plans are not followed through. But I think if we can showcase that many improvements are happening in their area, I believe the next leader will continue this,” he added.

During the program, Sec. Solidum surprised attendees by walking the runway with other models, showcasing locally made shoes as part of Lakbay Disensyo of DOST. The initiative partnered with local farmers, designers, and craftsmen to promote locally sourced products and materials.

Many of the showcased items were made using repurposed banana and pineapple peels, which were transformed into vibrant shoes and bags.