Photos from DOST CALABARZON via Facebook

August 14, 2025 – Antipolo City, Rizal

As part of its mission to drive inclusive and innovation-led development in the region, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) - CALABARZON officially turned over the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Plans to the City of Lipa, Batangas, and the Municipality of Taytay, Rizal. The ceremonial turnover took place during the opening of the 2025 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) at the Ynares Event Center in Antipolo City.

The STI Plans were developed under the Innovation, Science, and Technology for Accelerating Regional Technology-based Development (iSTART) Program — a strategic initiative of DOST-CALABARZON aimed at enhancing the capability of local government units (LGUs) to integrate science, technology, and innovation into local development planning and policy-making.

What is iSTART?

The iSTART Program supports cities and municipalities in crafting evidence-based, data-driven development frameworks by harnessing the power of science, research, and innovation. It involves collaborative planning between DOST, local stakeholders, and partner academic institutions to generate a comprehensive STI Plan tailored to each LGU's needs, strengths, and long-term goals.

Key components of the STI Plan include:

• Baseline Studies and Data Gathering: Assessing socio-economic conditions, infrastructure, environment, governance capabilities, and existing innovation assets in the locality.

• Smart City Roadmap: A vision-aligned, step-by-step strategic guide outlining how each LGU can leverage STI tools and systems to improve public services, economic competitiveness, environmental sustainability, and disaster resilience.

• Programs, Projects, and Activities (PPAs): Actionable and fundable initiatives identified to help local governments transition into smart and innovative cities or municipalities.

Empowering Local Governments Toward Smart Cityhood

Ms. Daisy R. Babaan, City Planning and Development Officer of Lipa City, officially received the STI Plan on behalf of the city. In her message, she emphasized the value of the STI Plan in institutionalizing scientific approaches in city planning, infrastructure, and service delivery. “This is a crucial tool to guide our smart city journey—grounded in data, tailored to our context, and scalable with the help of national agencies like DOST,” she noted.

For Taytay, Hon. Allan Martine S. De Leon, Municipal Mayor, received the plan and expressed optimism that the document would help transform Taytay into a more progressive, tech-enabled municipality. “The STI Plan is not just a document—it is a roadmap for inclusive development. With the support of DOST, we’re not only planning for tomorrow—we’re building it,” he said.

Photos from DOST CALABARZON via Facebook

Continuing Support and Monitoring

DOST-CALABARZON, through its regional director Dr. Alexander R. Madrigal, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to go beyond plan delivery. “The turnover of the STI Plans is just the beginning,” said Dr. Madrigal. “DOST-CALABARZON will continue to monitor and evaluate the implementation progress of these plans, provide technical support, and help LGUs explore funding or partnership opportunities for identified projects.”

According to DOST-CALABARZON, follow-up activities will include:

• Capacity-building workshops for LGU staff on STI implementation

• Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess impact

• Linkage support with research institutions, industries, and funding agencies

Why It Matters

In an era of rapid urbanization, digital transformation, and climate change, local governments play a critical role in shaping the future of communities. By institutionalizing STI in governance, programs like iSTART help cities and municipalities future-proof their policies and services—ensuring they are resilient, sustainable, and inclusive.

The turnover of STI Plans to Lipa and Taytay aligns with the national push toward “Smart and Sustainable Communities” and contributes to the broader goals of the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028, which prioritizes innovation as a driver of growth and improved quality of life.

About RSTW 2025

The Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) is an annual flagship event of DOST regional offices. It showcases the latest technologies, innovations, and research breakthroughs, while also recognizing the efforts of LGUs, academic institutions, and the private sector in advancing S&T in their communities.

This year’s theme, “Solutions and Opportunities for All,” highlights the inclusive nature of science and innovation as enablers of development, with various activities ranging from technology exhibits and fora to ceremonial MOUs and project turnovers.

For more updates on DOST-CALABARZON’s programs, follow the official Facebook page and other digital platforms.

SolutionsOpportunitiesForAll
#RSTWinCALABARZON2025
#DOSTCALABARZON
#SmartCityPH
#iSTARTPH

By: Meme Borja