As cities in regions like SOCCSKSARGEN grow, the problems they face become more complex. To face the challenges of increasing natural disasters, public safety, and sustainability, among others, some of the world’s leading cities have implemented “smart city” initiatives. These initiatives leverage digital technologies, smart governance, and data analytics to make cities more functional, sustainable, and livable.
It was with this goal in mind that the University of the Philippines through the National Engineering Center, the Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry, and the Department of Science and Technology Region XII launched the SMART-ER SOCCSKSARGEN Project on Jan. 26. The project aims to boost the capability of local government units in Region XII through digital systems, geospatial data, and capacity building programs.
SMART-ER SOCCSKSARGEN was made official through a memorandum of agreement signed by UP President Angelo Jimenez and DOST XII Regional Director Sammy Malawan at the DOST Regional Office XII in Koronadal City. The event also included a handover of supporting resolutions and signings of statements of support from participating provinces and cities. Cooperating agencies include local governments from the provinces of South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City.
“More than a mere technology deployment, the project emphasizes institutional strengthening — helping LGUs build the skills, systems, and coordination needed to respond faster, plan better, and protect lives,” said Jimenez in a statement.
LUNGSOD
The centerpiece innovation for the creation of smart cities in Region XII will be the LUNGSOD system, one of the winners of the 2025 Gawad Pangulo para sa Natatanging Inobasyon. It was developed by a team led by Dr. Czar Jakiri Sarmiento of the UP Department of Geodetic Engineering.
This marks the first deployment of the LUNGSOD system in Mindanao, following its initial launch in Iloilo City.
LUNGSOD turns each city into a data-driven system by integrating data, real-time reports, government workflows, and citizen participation. According to Sarmiento, it is “modular, scalable, and can be easily customized to the priorities of the LGU [local government unit].”
There are two key components under its hood: City Command and City Connect. City Command serves as the central control platform and data hub. It features a “digital twin” of each partner city — a virtual version combining 3D maps, sensors, historical data, and updates in real time. This allows decision makers to view each city as a living system, enabling quick and informed decisions for cases like rapid disaster response, incident reporting, and urban planning.
City Connect, meanwhile, is a suite of mobile applications where citizens can engage with the system by reporting issues via their mobile devices, track government responses, and participate in a city’s promotion and e-governance.
In essence, LUNGSOD can serve as a city’s tailor-made nervous system. It solves the issues caused by lack of communication between government offices, as well as relevant city data being scattered across different owners, spreadsheets, and departments. With LUNGSOD putting all these together at your fingertips, cities can move from “guessing and reacting” to “seeing and planning”.
Everything reverberates
In a message delivered at the event, President Jimenez highlighted the importance of local leaders in these changing times. “The state system can no longer be relied upon to save this planet,” he said. “It was not designed to solve planetary problems.”
“I’m saying that the salvation of Planet Earth today will now go to the sub-state level. To the governors, to the mayors, to the community organizations closest to the problem.” This is exactly where projects like LUNGSOD come in — giving local leaders the tools to act on global problems at the community level.
Jimenez added, this period in history is seeing the rise of this class of leader, which is why UP is working hard to empower them through innovations like LUNGSOD that can spark meaningful change. “We want you to succeed, because your success is critical to the salvation of this planet and our own progress.”
He concluded by emphasizing how, through technology, every community has now become global. In a global community, therefore, there can be no such thing as an isolated act.
“I ask students of [UP] Diliman, go out there and solve a community problem using science. Even if you solve only one person’s problem, because of our highly networked world, it will reverberate. Believe in it.”
Watch the ceremonial signing here.
Cover photo by Peter Vallejos, UPS-MCO