BALANGA CITY – The city government of Balanga, in partnership with the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), held a three-day Smart City Validation Workshop and Visioning.
DAP and DOST facilitated the event, which brought together innovation partners, experts, and stakeholders to validate assessment findings and refine strategies for transforming Balanga into a smart and sustainable city.
DOST Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations Romeolito Tacbian, who represented Regional Director Julius Caesar Sicat, expressed the agency’s full support for the city’s efforts.
“On behalf of our Regional Director Julius Caesar Sicat and of the DOST, I extend my wholehearted support for the ongoing validation and visioning activity and soon to follow activities of the Balanga City in pursuit of its vision of a smart university town under the Smart and Sustainable Communities program,” Tacbian said.
He added that the initiative marks a significant step toward promoting innovation, sustainability, and inclusive development, and emphasized that it would help establish the city as a thriving hub for education, technology, and economic growth.
Meanwhile, DAP Center for Governance – Operations Management Office Director Alvin Principe emphasized that smart city development is a process, not an overnight achievement.
“We call this a journey because it’s going to be a process. It is something that needs to be pursued, it is something that needs to be given effort and attention and passion,” he said.
Principe noted that under the Linking Innovation Partners towards Accelerated Development in the Philippines (LIPAD PH) program, the journey ahead requires continued commitment.
“DAP is proud to stand alongside you and the rest of the community, and we remain fully committed to supporting the city in harnessing the power of data, the promise of innovation, and the beauty of inclusive governance to improve the quality of lives of all Balangueños,” he added.
Outgoing Mayor and Vice Mayor-elect Francis Garcia expressed gratitude to DAP and DOST for their cooperation in realizing the city’s vision of a smart university town.
“We are truly honored to have worked in close cooperation and collaboration with DAP and with DOST to bring our vision of a smart university town to fruition,” Garcia said.
He also acknowledged the responsiveness of both institutions throughout the process.
“Thank you for your generous efforts and accommodations, particularly in addressing our concerns and requests through the process leading to this event,” he added.
Mayor-elect Raquel Garcia pledged to continue Balanga’s smart city journey during her upcoming term.
“I hope for the next three years we will work hand in hand in our goal, which is to uplift the lives of every Balangueño. Your support truly meant a lot to us,” she said.
She expressed appreciation for the ongoing initiatives and described it as a great privilege to take part in efforts that aim to officially recognize Balanga as one of the pioneer smart cities in the country.
“Let us all aspire to promote data-driven decision making in our government transactions and business processes, also in healthcare and educational services, in creative and innovative pursuits, and in public safety and sustainability among others. This way we can give the citizens of Balanga and our constituents more informed, efficient, and impactful services,” she noted.
Through collaborative discussions, data validation, and expert guidance from DAP and DOST, participants identified key challenges and opportunities across six critical domains: governance, environment, mobility, living, economy, and people.
A key highlight of the workshop was the visioning exercise, where stakeholders co-created a long-term vision for Balanga as a smart city.
This shared vision will guide the city’s strategic roadmap, shaping future investments, innovations, and policies.
Balanga is one of the local government units supported under the LIPAD PH project—a joint initiative of DOST Central Luzon and DAP. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Bataan)