LGU Mainit partners with DOST for smart, sustainable community road map
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) – The local government unit (LGU) of Mainit in Surigao del Norte strengthened its collaboration with the provincial office of the Department of Science and Technology for the crafting of its smart and sustainable community roadmap.
This concerted effort integrated science, technology, and innovation (STI) into its local governance.
DOST Provincial Director Mariel Makinano said, “This forward-thinking initiative is designed to position Mainit as a model smart municipality, seamlessly integrating technology-driven solutions with sustainability principles to enhance governance, economic growth, and overall community well-being.”
She also outlined the vision for the roadmap, unveiling the proposed Smart and Sustainable Community (SSC) Roadmap Framework for the LGU, aligning with the DOST Strategic Plan Framework 2023-2028, which seeks to transform at least one LGU per province into a fully integrated smart and sustainable community
The initiative kicked off with a comprehensive gap assessment session, gathering key stakeholders from municipal offices, national line agencies, non-government organizations, and the private sector. This critical step provided a data-driven foundation for identifying development gaps, priority areas, and strategic interventions that will shape Mainit's transformation into a resilient and future-ready community.
Meanwhile, Engr. Mildred Eileen Ronsable, science research specialist II, provided a comprehensive overview of the Smart and Sustainable Communities Program, detailing its key milestones and the ongoing DOST programs and projects in Mainit.
She also emphasized the important role of the Technical Working Group (TWG) in spearheading the initiative and ensuring that stakeholders remain actively engaged in the roadmap’s development.
A key highlight of the session was an interactive workshop, ensuring a structured approach to Mainit’s transformation. Each pillar—Smart People, Smart Living, Smart Environment, Smart Governance, Smart Mobility, and Smart Economy — was systematically addressed, laying the groundwork for a well-rounded, technology-driven, inclusive progress.
The strong partnership between DOST-SDN and LGU Mainit exemplifies how science and technology can be leveraged to drive sustainable and inclusive development at the local level. With the successful completion of the gap assessment, the initiative is now set to move into its subsequent phases — introducing targeted programs and innovative solutions that will shape Mainit's tech-enabled future.
As the roadmap unfolds, DOST-SDN and LGU Mainit reaffirmed their commitment to building a community where innovation is a catalyst for lasting, people-centered development. With a clear vision and a solid foundation, Mainit is well on its way to becoming a leading model of smart, technology-driven governance in Surigao del Norte. (DOST- SDN/PIA Surigao del Norte)
