During the National Information and Communications Technology Summit in Cagayan de Oro City last week, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) named Iloilo City among the potential “Digital or Smart Cities.”

“We are hoping Iloilo City could declare itself [a] ‘Smart City’ by [year-end],” said Iloilo Federation for Information Technology (IFIT) Executive Director Joven Tansi.

In order to be named a ‘Smart City,” a city must exhibit increased economic growth, ensured environmental preservation, improved quality of life, and job creation.

It is suggested for cities up for the possible designation to assist in mitigating uncertainty, particularly when it comes to natural disaster or economic turbulence; unlock new economic areas in order to drive sustainable economic growth and innovation; ensure safety of the public; promote inclusiveness; and ensure government expenditure is sustainable.

According to Tansi, Iloilo City has excelled six “smart specific concepts,” including healthcare, building, digital and infrastructure, education, safety and security, and governance.

Other components include transport and mobility, energy, and disaster management./WDJ