The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Bicol recently held a Reverse Pitching session for local government units (LGUs) at The Pepperland Hotel, Legazpi City, Albay during the Innovation and Technology Transfer Summit 2025.
The City Government of Naga, along with other Smart and Sustainable City Partners (SSCP), showcased its science, technology, and innovation (STI)-based development plans. During the session, Naga outlined its current challenges, areas for collaboration, and three key priorities: 1) enhancing resilience through real-time systems and efficient governance; 2) implementing SMART governance for inclusive social impact and data-driven social services; and 3) advancing agri-tech for a smarter economy.
The event, done last April 28, aimed to facilitate dialogue among stakeholders, align development efforts, and accelerate the rollout of smart and sustainable initiatives across the Bicol region.
Krizia Francine Coronel, Economic and Market Research Officer of Investment and Tourism Promotions Office (ITPO), highlighted the city’s commitment to becoming a smart, sustainable, and resilient urban center through strategic investments in digital infrastructure, innovation programs, and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.
Further insights were made by National Economic and Development Authority Region V Director Edna Cynthia S. Berces and Dr. Betchi Aguinaldo, director of the Business Innovation and R&D Center at Isabela State University to improve the city’s programs towards innovation and sustainability. Representatives from DOST-CALABARZON and MIMAROPA also took part in the open forum and interactive discussions.
The event-themed, “Bicol Innovation Express: Smart and Sustainable Solutions Through Technology Transfer,” provides a platform to showcase innovations and foster discussions on transforming research outputs into market-ready solutions.
The reverse pitching session serves as an avenue for LGU partners from DOST Innovation, Science, and Technology for accelerating Regional Technology-based Developments (iSTART) and Smart and Sustainable Communities (SSC) programs to align efforts, mobilize resources and accelerate smart and sustainable community initiatives across the region.
Written by: Angelica May C. Clarito | Photos: Investment & Tourism Promotions Office
