Candon City, Ilocos Sur – Candon City is gearing up for a significant transformation towards becoming a Smart City, and the journey is well underway with a three-day Participatory Planning and Roadmap Development Workshop. The event, led by Dr. Teresita A. Tabaog from the Office of the Regional Director of DOST-1, in collaboration with PSTO-Ilocos Sur, gathered department heads from the City of Candon and the Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College.

This initiative is a collective endeavor that brings together several essential partners, notably Isabela State University-Cauayan Campus, the City Government of Cauayan in Isabela, and DOST RO2. These entities actively participated as facilitators and resource speakers, significantly contributing their expertise and insights to the planning process.

ISU-Cauyan’s pivotal role in this workshop underlines its commitment to this innovative initiative. Through collaboration with various academic and governmental institutions, the university bridges research capabilities and practical knowledge, propelling innovation and advancing the Smart City vision for Candon.

The workshop’s primary objective is to harness the collective wisdom and expertise of the participants in shaping a comprehensive roadmap for Candon City’s Smart City transformation. Over the next two days, attendees engaged in discussions, exchange insights, and propose strategies to leverage technology and data-driven solutions for urban development. The focus centered on the integration of smart infrastructure, enhanced connectivity, sustainability promotion, and an overall improvement in the quality of life for Candon City residents.

The active involvement of multiple stakeholders, including Isabela State University-Cauayan, local government bodies, and regional authorities, marks significant progress toward Candon City’s aspiration to become a Smart City. This collaborative partnership among these institutions reflects a shared commitment to promoting scientific advancements that ultimately benefit society as a whole. As Candon City takes these momentous strides towards a smarter and more sustainable future, the participation of Isabela State University adds a valuable dimension to this exciting journey.