Samar province has been identified as one of the pilot areas for smart and sustainable communities program in Eastern Visayas in the bid to improve services through digitalization.

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Eastern Visayas regional director Ernesto Granada said the program has been expanded to provinces from just a few selected cities in the country.

“We can apply technology to address the needs of communities. We will consult the communities to come up with ideas to solve their problems using technology,” Granada said in an interview Friday.

In a statement, Samar Gov. Sharee Ann Tan said the project would prioritize the cities of Catbalogan and Calbayog by developing local industries through technological assistance from DOST.

“This is a way to harmonize our project with national government agencies. We will work with our state universities since they have the expertise and can help us. We will not just be working hard. We will be working smart. Programs are effective if these are backed with research by our local universities,” Tan added.

As part of the program, DOST will assist local governments to come up with science, technology and innovation plan.

The initiatives seek to attain efficiency in governance and ease of doing business, environmental sustainability, health and wellness, quality of life, economic development, improved public safety, and better mobility.

In terms of economic development, outcomes in this area could include increased employment opportunities, reductions in processing times for business permits, and improvements in skill levels in the local labor force.

In the area of environmental quality, the program seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; reduce environmental contaminant levels; habitat preservation or renewal, and good solid waste management.

The DOST aims to address challenges of urban and regional life in cities using science, technology and innovation to enhance opportunities. (PNA)