Cauayan City, Isabela – In a momentous event that gathered over 700 delegates from more than 80 municipalities and cities, both from the Philippines and abroad, the International Smart City and Network Engagement (iSCENE) 2023 took center stage in Cauayan City. The event signified the Philippines’ determined stride towards smarter and more sustainable communities. At the heart of this transformative event was Isabela State University (ISU), playing a pivotal role in shaping the country’s smart and sustainable future.

The inaugural day of iSCENE 2023 marked a historic milestone in Cauayan City, as a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed at the ICON Center. This MOU united the efforts of key stakeholders devoted to advancing the cause of intelligent and sustainable communities. The signatories of this landmark agreement included the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), with ISU taking center stage as a driving force behind this alliance. This momentous accord was more than just a symbolic gesture; it stood as a testament to the collective commitment to transform the Philippines into a hub for smart and sustainable cities, with ISU’s active involvement as a critical component of this vision.

The day’s events also included an illuminating press conference in Cauayan City, where esteemed speakers shared their insights into the development of smarter and more sustainable cities. Among these eminent personalities were Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr., the Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, who has continually collaborated with ISU on various innovative initiatives. ISU’s active participation underscored its influential role as a key contributor to the nation’s progress. ISU’s dedicated team of experts shared their experiences and knowledge, emphasizing the importance of research, innovation, and sustainable solutions in the development of smart cities.

The second day of iSCENE 2023 in Cauayan City brought the event’s focus to the practical journey of smart city development. Mayor Caesar S. Dy, Jr., shared the remarkable journey of Cauayan City, highlighting how it became a trailblazing smart and sustainable community with the support of ISU’s academic and research endeavors. ISU’s contributions, including collaboration with local government units and active involvement in research, have been instrumental in shaping the vision of smart and sustainable communities in the Philippines.

iSCENE 2023 is more than an event; it is a declaration of the Philippines’ commitment to creating smarter, more sustainable communities, with ISU at its forefront in Cauayan City. By bringing together leaders, experts, and stakeholders in this forum, the nation reaffirms its dedication to the well-being of its citizens and the future development of the country. ISU’s indispensable role in this endeavor emphasizes the importance of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and innovation in the journey towards a future where smart and sustainable communities, strongly influenced by ISU’s contributions, will define the Philippines.

The success of iSCENE 2023 in Cauayan City underscores the Philippines’ determination to pioneer smart and sustainable community development, with ISU as a guiding light. Through these collective efforts, the nation is constructing a brighter and more sustainable future where its communities will flourish in an era of innovation and progress, all thanks to ISU’s unwavering dedication to this vision.