DOST SOCCSKSARGEN CONDUCTS SSCP CONSULTATIONS IN THREE MUNICIPALITIES IN SULTAN KUDARAT!
Building smarter and resilient communities through Science, Technology, and Innovation
Sultan Kudarat – April 14, 2026 – The Department of Science and Technology -SOCCSKSARGEN, under the leadership of Regional Director Dr. Sammy P. Malawan, RABE, CESE, through the Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO)–Sultan Kudarat led by Provincial Director Ms. Zenaida D. Guiano MSc, successfully conducted a three-day consultation meeting for the formulation of the Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP) Roadmap across three municipalities in Sultan Kudarat
namely the Municipality of Senator Ninoy Aquino, the Municipality of Kalamansig, and Tacurong City.
The activity was supported by EVFI Consultants Mr. Niconar Villeseñor and Mr. Martin Orendian, who served as technical facilitators during the roadmapping process. It brought together key stakeholders, members of the Technical Working Group, and local government officials to collaboratively develop a forward-looking roadmap aimed at transforming communities into smarter, more resilient, and sustainable localities. The PSTO-SK team, including Engr. Szalinah S. Mercado, Supervising SRS and Regional focal person for SSCP, facilitated discussions and ensured active stakeholder engagement throughout the activity.
The consultation commenced in the Municipality of Senator Ninoy Aquino, led by Municipal Mayor, Hon. Rafael George L. Flauta III. During the session, Mayor Flauta highlighted the municipality’s priority on establishing e-Governance systems to improve public service delivery. He acknowledged that limited internet connectivity remains a key challenge but expressed optimism that this will be addressed soon. He also emphasized strengthening the municipality’s coffee industry, recognizing its role as the coffee capital of Sultan Kudarat.
This was followed by sessions in the Municipality of Kalamansig, under the leadership of Mayor, Hon. Ronan Eugene C. Garcia. Mayor Garcia presented a comprehensive and well-prepared development direction, focusing on enhancing the municipality’s coffee industry. Among his proposed initiatives are the establishment of a coffee processing center equipped with an optical scanner to support local coffee processors, as well as a coffee nursery capable of producing up to one ton per hectare annually.
The final leg of the consultation was held in Tacurong City, the identified pilot community for the SSCP, headed by the City Mayor, Hon. Lina O. Montilla, PhD.Mayor Montilla shared the city’s readiness to implement SSCP initiatives, highlighting efforts to strengthen internet connectivity in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). She also noted that the bioreactor project provided to the city is currently underway for operationalization.
The activity underscores the strong collaboration between DOST and local government units in advancing sustainable development through science, technology, and innovation. The finalization and implementation of the SSCP Roadmap are expected to materialize before the end of the year.
