Following its success in its first year, the 2nd International Smart City Exposition and Networking

Engagement (iSCENE) with the theme, “Synergy Unleashed: Becoming Smart Cities Through Strategic Partnerships” was formally opened on April 11, 2024 at the Isabela Convention Center, Cauayan City, Isabela.

The three-day event aimed to establish a platform for government officials, industries, innovators, and academic institutions to engage in knowledge-sharing and collaborative endeavors as a strategic framework for fostering smart and sustainable communities. It emphasized dialogues concerning synergistic approaches for forming partnerships, showcasing best practices, and exchanging strategies among both international and local stakeholders.

As one of the partners and organizers of the event, Isabela State University (ISU) facilitated special sessions on Localizing SDG 7: Smart and Sustainable Energy Transition for Cities and Communities, and Water Summit: Smart Water Infrastructure and Management (SWIM).

During the opening ceremonies, a ribbon cutting and opening of the Smart City Expo, TECHNO TIENDA (Smart Technologies Exhibition), and eTIENDA (Consolidation of North Luzon Products) marked the continuation of the realization of transforming local government units (LGUs) towards Society 5.0, a project spearheaded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

One of the highlights of the ceremony is the attendance and participation of key leaders in the Philippines including Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr. (Secretary, DOST) and Hon. Ferdinand R. Marcos (President, Republic of the Philippines) as keynote speaker.

Following the greetings and messages, discussions on (1) Policy Developments on Futures Thinking, Innovation, and SDGs, (2) Framework for Smart Philippines, and (3) Formulation of Policies for the Development of Sustainable Cities and Communities were delivered by Hon. Pia S. Cayetano (Senate Committee Chair on SDG, Innovation, and Furture’s Thinking), Hon. Alan Peter S. Cayetano (Senator, Republic of the Philippines), and Hon. Francisco B. Benitez (Chairperson, Committee on Housing and Development) respectively.

In closing, messages of solidarity from several leaders of LGUs and line agencies were heard by the participants.