The Sorsogon State University, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office V (DOST V), LGU Sorsogon City, and Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa, Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT), successfully conducted a two-day workshop on “Smart Horizons 2034: Technology Road-Mapping for a Smart and Sustainable Sorsogon City.” The event, held on November 5-6, 2024, at the SorSU Dormtel, Sorsogon City, brought together stakeholders from various sectors to strategize the future of smart and sustainable Sorsogon City.
Day 1: Levelling-Off and Visioning Exercise
The workshop commenced with an opening acknowledgment by Ms. Joeve S. Calleja (Supervising Science Research Specialist, DOST V PSTO-Sorsogon). This was followed by a welcome message from SUC President III, Dr. Geraldine F. De Jesus, who emphasized the importance of collaboration in shaping a sustainable future for Sorsogon City. Ms. Ma. Theresa D. Alcantara (OIC, Office of the Regional Director, DOST ROV) and Ms. Asia Olbes-Jao, representing Hon. City Mayor Ma. Ester E. Hamor, also delivered their opening messages.
The program continued with orientation on the Smart and Sustainable Communities/Cities Program, presented by Mr. Ariel Joshua J. Madrid (Science Research Specialist II, DOST V) while Mr. Jofer B. Asilum (Lead Facilitator, Planning Officer, DEBESMSCAT, Masbate) gave the workshop mechanics and rationale. In addition, Ms. Reissa D. Larosa-Gamos, EnP (City Planning & Development Coordinator LGU Sorsogon City), presented the CLGUs Vision, outlining the collective aspirations for local governance units in terms of sustainability and technological integration.
The event concluded with a Visioning Exercise, facilitated by Mr. Asilum, during which participants identified key success indicators for Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) in Sorsogon. This was followed by a Vision-Reality Gap (VRG) Analysis and Synthesis.
Day 2: Validation of STI Data, Situational Analysis, Goals and Objectives
The second day focused on validating STI data, situational analysis, and formulating goals and objectives. The workshop included presentations from all stakeholders and facilitators who shared STI data to provide a clear picture of the city’s current situation. Mr. Asilum facilitated a workshop on the Identification and Prioritization of STI-related Development Issues. This was followed by a round-robin session on the Formulation of STI Goals and Objectives.
DOST V’s Banner Programs and TecHUB were also presented. This was complemented by DOST V, DICT, DILG, SorSU, and DEBESMSCAT presentations, who shared their respective Programs, Projects, and Activities (PPAs) that align with the vision of smart and sustainable cities.
The workshop concluded with a Synthesis Session, where Mr. Asilum guided participants in formulating targets and identifying relevant PPAs as take-home activities. The event concluded with closing remarks from Engr. Sandro M. Noguera (PSTD, PSTO-Sorsogon). (SorSU PIO)
