Mimaropa Science Week pushes Romblon to become ‘smart island’
The Philippine Department of Science and Technology is implementing new digital and safety technologies in Romblon to transform it into a 'smart island.' Initiatives include a tricycle booking app and a sea-condition emergency alert system to improve connectivity and disaster resilience.
Why it matters
This project serves as a proof of concept for using technology to bridge the development gap in geographically isolated archipelagic communities.
BEING a geographically isolated island, Romblon faces major challenges in digital connectivity, transportation and mobility, access to basic services, and even disaster risk and early warning.The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said these realities make the province not just a beneficiary of innovation, but an important proof of concept for science and technology, demonstrating its benefits and values to the public. To bring science-based interventions closer to island communities, this year's celebration of the Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Week (RSTW) in Mimaropa, the DOST introduced various technologies to push the province of Romblon to become a "smart island.""In many places, development is often measured by roads, bridges, robots, and industries," Solidum said.
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