Butuan gears up to be a smart, eco city
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) – The city government of Butuan through the City Planning and Development Department (CPDD), in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga, launched the Smart Eco Butuan 2040 Roadmap on April 25 in Butuan City.
DOST Secretary
Renato U. Solidum showed support in the highly urbanized city’s milestone
towards becoming a sustainable and smart eco city in the country.
“Effective urban
transformation demands a technology driven evidence-based approach tailored
specifically to unique strengths and needs of the community. The development of
this roadmap is a prime example of our collaborative effort merging strategic
planning with science and innovation to create sustainable solutions,” said
Sec. Solidum.
“We will be beside
you throughout the implementation. Our success will rely upon the local
government, academe, businesses and all Butuanon to do their part. Together,
let us build a smart eco-butuan city,” he added.
Core pillars
The roadmap will
serve as a blueprint that leverages technology and innovation to transform the
city into a sustainable, innovation-driven, and inclusive urban center by 2040.
The roadmap has
six core pillars that responds to the need of the city, namely;
- Smart Economy which aims
that by 2040 the city will be an economic hub fueled by technology-based
enterprises, innovative industries, robust tourism, and a sustainable food
system. Creating business opportunities for all.
- Smart Mobility provides a
smart, sustainable mobility experience with seamless options for active
transportation systems and multi-modal transport with real time traffic
updates.
- Smart Living that allows the
residents to enjoy a comfortable and thriving community through affordable
eco-friendly housing, accessible healthcare, safe public spaces, and
inclusive services for those with special needs.
- Smart Environment that
maintains a harmonious balance between development and environmental
stewardship.
- Smart Governance for Butuan
City to become a global leader in smart governance characterized by open
data systems enabled by smart technologies.
- Smart People manifesting
Butuanons to be a digitally inclusive community nurturing young talents,
professionals and the least invested sector.
According to DOST,
the roadmap is anchored on the Smart and Sustainable Communities Program that
aims to empower the city through the use of science and technology in
addressing urban/city challenges and local growth.
Reminiscing about
the past situation of Butuan City, Cristina Hemady Arcillas, president of
the Butuan City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc. shared that
“So much progress had been made in the city, before our class was disrupted for
two months due to flash floods. I couldn’t go on dates as the transportation is
not convenient. Now flash floods don’t last that long and we now have a lot of
modes of transportation.”
This is a
testament of the effect of integrating science and technology in government
plans, programs, and projects. Changing the lives of every Butuanon.
With its
progressive leadership, robust economy, and commitment to digital
transformation, Butuan City is poised to adopt smart technologies that will
enhance governance, public services, and economic development.
Likewise, DOST Caraga remains committed to providing technical expertise and support to ensure the realization of Butuan’s journey toward becoming a smart and future-ready city. (MFC, PIA Butuan City)
