BukSU, City Government of Malaybalay prep up for Smart City Project

MALAYBALAY CITY (11 August 2023) Representatives from Bukidnon State University and the City Government of Malaybalay spent a productive and meaningful consultative meeting as a follow through activity in the on-going preparation for the Smart City Project, spearheaded by the Department of Science and Technology.

Dr. Romeo Lapiceros of the Malaybalay City Economic Enterprise Development and Management Office (CEEDMO) has welcomed the outcomes of the continuing consultation for the Smart City Project, one of the priority projects of the national government, where Bukidnon State University and the City Government of Malaybalay are key partners of the project lead the Department of Science and Technology.

Dr. Lapiceros and other city government officials offered insights on the possible points of collaboration for the project. He added that the common understanding between the academe and the local government of the local issues and concerns and prospects for collaboration to solve those issues is beneficial to the welfare of the city’s populace. The City Government will be holding discussions with their office heads and focal persons in relation to the project to identify priority concerns aligned with the priorities of Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran. 

Dr. Carina Joane V. Barroso, BukSU VP for Research, Extension, and Innovations, in one of her responses, expressed her appreciation and excitement about the prospects of the collaboration. She said this is a good sign for better partnership between the university and the city government.  Dr. Barroso shared that BukSU is open to discuss possible collaboration and is ready to help address the various local problems with its own capacity and capabilities. 

Ms. Grazelle dela Cruz of DOST-Bukidnon shared about the Smart City Project, a priority project of the national government.

The Smart and Sustainable Communities Program aims to propel and accelerate the growth of communities so that they become smart, sustainable, resilient, technology-driven, and inclusive. The program seeks to further improve quality of life, the efficiency of urban or rural operation and services, and competitiveness, while ensuring that it meets the needs of present and future generations concerning economic, social, and environmental aspects.

Ms. Dela Cruz said DOST will fund the initiatives for the project. DOST’s approach to Smart City covers technologies such as Internet of Things, Open Data, Smart Agriculture, Smart Home, Education, Smart Grid/Smart Energy, Smart Government, Smart Health, Smart Mobility, and Smart Retail.

The consultation was attended by representatives from different local and national government agencies, including BukSU’s sister university, the University of Science and Technology in Southern Philippines Vice Chancellor Engr. Alex B. Maureal.  Engr. Maureal offered insights, tips, and inspiring words for the participants of the consultative meeting.  He offered USTP’s support for the conduct of ideation process, as a way to go to proceed with the projects to launch it from discussion to innovation. 

Dr. Jiemalyn B. Paulican, BukSU Extension Director, said the university looks forward to work with a multi-sectoral engagement for the Smart City Project.

BukSU’s four research centers, the Center for Mathematical Innovations, Center for Educational Analytics, Center for Local Governance, and the Center for Peace Studies attended the consultation as part of local consultations for need-based research endeavors. The Center for Peace Studies is under the OVPREI with the leadership of Dr. Barroso.

The Office of the Vice President for Research, Extension, and Innovations (OVPREI) through the Extension Unit led the Smart City Project Consultative Meeting with Bukidnon State University’s internal and external stakeholders on August 11, 2023.  (Walter I. Balane/ Center for Peace Studies and Information Unit) 

#SMART BukSU

#SMART RDE  #SMART City