In an exciting partnership with Isabela State University (ISU), Tabuk City is forging ahead with its ambition to become a smart city. On January 12, 2023, a delegation of city government employees journeyed to Cauayan City, seeking insights into the framework, concept, and innovative technologies of a smart city in a rural environment.
Cauayan City, as the first rural and agricultural smart city in the Philippines, stood as the perfect role model for Tabuk City. The delegation included representatives from various city departments, such as the City Public Information Office (CPIO), City Information and Communications Technology (CICT), Office of the City Agricultural Services (OCAS), Kalinga State University (KSU), DOST-Kalinga, DTI-Kalinga, and DENR-Kalinga.
Throughout their visit, the delegation gained invaluable knowledge and experiences from the staff of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Cauayan, DOST Region 2, and Isabela State University. Witnessing the transformation of Cauayan City from a rural area into the first agricultural smart city and a benchmark for North Luzon was particularly enlightening.
Cauayan City showcased various technological advancements, including the Cauayan App Connect for simplified online LGU transactions, the use of drones for agricultural analysis, swift disaster monitoring and response via advanced software, smart transportation solutions, renewable energy through solar panels, and electric vehicle charging stations, among others.
The delegation also visited Isabela State University to see how research and software programming technologies are integrated into the LGU’s operations, enhancing convenience for Cauayan residents. These technologies form the foundation for Tabuk City to assess and adopt for improving the quality of life, making the city more sustainable, and driving technology-based decision-making.
This benchmarking visit represents the first step in Tabuk City’s journey toward becoming the second DOST-recognized smart city in Northern Luzon. The collaboration between ISU and the local government underscores their shared dedication to innovation and progress.