The city government, through the guidance of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), conducted a three-day Smart City Validation Workshop and Visioning Activity from May 19 to 21 at the Emiliana Hall in this city.
Key partner stakeholders from various sectors in government, private organizations and civil society attended the event aimed at evaluating Balanga's current smart city initiatives and laying the foundation for its future development.
"The workshop aimed to assess the city's progress in becoming a smart, sustainable, and citizen-centered urban center," said Mayor Francis Garcia.
Garcia said that through collaborative discussions, data validation, and expert guidance from DAP and DOST, participants identified key challenges and opportunities across six critical domains: governance, environment, mobility, living, economy, and people.
"One of the highlights was the visioning exercise, where stakeholders co-created a long-term vision for Balanga as a smart city. This shared vision will guide the city's strategic roadmap, shaping future investments, innovations, and policies," the outgoing mayor added.
Mayor-elect Raquel Garcia, wife of incoming vice mayor Francis Garcia, and members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod actively supported the activity.
"Through this collaborative and forward-thinking approach, the city government of Balanga continues to enhance the quality of life for all Balangueños," said Mayor Garcia.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Ernie Esconde
Quelle/Source: The Manila Times, 24.05.2025
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