Policy and Support Systems

1. What policies or programs has your office implemented to support the growth of the ICT and IT
BPM sectors in the local economy?

Policies or Programs for ICT and IT-BPM Growth:

Baguio City has implemented various initiatives to support ICT and IT-BPM
sectors, such as the Smart City Project, which integrates AI and data analytics
to improve urban services like traffic management, security, and e-
governance. This includes tools like "Baguio In My Pocket" (BIMP) for tax
payments and other services, promoting efficiency and digital adoption.
Additionally, partnerships with organizations like the Phil-Tower Consortium
aim to enhance digital connectivity and broadband access across the city

The City Government of Baguio actively supports the growth of ICT and IT-BPM
industries through various programs and partnerships, focusing on digital
transformation and economic inclusivity.

1.

Digital Partnerships for MSMEs: Baguio has partnered with Visa and
Thames International in a five-year initiative to empower over 22,000 MSMEs
by integrating digital payment solutions and offering training in digital
literacy. The program aims to enhance financial inclusivity, improve tourism-
related businesses, and stimulate local economic growth by leveraging data
insights and innovative tools

UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN): Baguio is recognized as a

UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art. This membership underscores
its commitment to embedding creativity into urban development, supporting
its ICT and IT-BPM sectors while fostering a digitally innovative environment

Tourism and Digitalization Synergy: The city's focus on tourism

complements its ICT initiatives by using digital platforms to improve visitor
experiences and expand MSMEs’ reach. These efforts also align with broader
goals of fostering a creative economy and enhancing the local business
ecosystem

Collaborative Innovation Hubs: In line with its vision of becoming a

digitally progressive city, Baguio continues to foster partnerships with private
organizations and educational institutions, aiming to develop talent and
technology-driven solutions for the IT-BPM sector.

2. How does your office ensure a conducive business environment for ICT-related investments?
Baguio City has seen investments in ICT-related initiatives that
contribute to its digital transformation and economic growth. The
city government has partnered with companies like Cisco to
implement a Smart City platform. This includes an Integrated
Command and Control Center that uses data analytics, video
management systems, and geographical information systems (GIS)
to improve governance, safety, and public services. These
investments also enable contactless government transactions and
enhance citizen engagement through integrated digital platforms

Additionally, Baguio City is focusing on nurturing the ICT and IT-

BPM sectors. It has created infrastructure and policies to attract
businesses and startups, offering a supportive ecosystem for
technology-driven enterprises. These efforts are aligned with the
city’s goal of being a hub for digital innovation and smart
governance

Ensuring a Conducive Business Environment for ICT Investments:

The city is committed to fostering a conducive business environment through initiatives like the
Baguio Visita platform for digital tourism and streamlined business processes under the Smart City
framework. The integration of high-speed broadband and public Wi-Fi also attracts tech-focused
investors. Furthermore, the city engages stakeholders and aligns projects with global environmental
and digital standards to encourage investment

3. Are there specific industries or sectors you are actively encouraging investors to support?

Baguio City’s priority investment areas reflect its goal of fostering sustainable
growth, modern infrastructure, and a thriving economy. Key sectors being targeted
include:

ICT and IT-BPM (Business Process Management): As part of its digital

transformation, Baguio is positioning itself as an emerging hub for ICT and
IT-BPM industries. Investments are encouraged in digital technologies, data
analytics, and smart city infrastructure. The city is enhancing its ICT
ecosystem, building digital infrastructure, and providing incentives to attract
tech-driven enterprises

Smart City and Technology: Investments in smart city technologies,

including the development of a digital twin city and smart mobility solutions,
are a significant focus. The city's commitment to integrating AI, IoT, and
digital platforms in public services, transportation, and urban planning
presents ample opportunities for tech companies

Sustainability and Green Technologies: With an emphasis on environmental

preservation and resilience, Baguio is promoting green technology, renewable
energy solutions, and sustainable development practices. This includes
investments in eco-friendly infrastructure and green building initiatives

Tourism and Hospitality: As a major tourist destination, the city is also

promoting investments in tourism infrastructure, including eco-tourism and
sustainable hospitality ventures. These initiatives aim to enhance the city’s
appeal while maintaining its cultural and environmental integrity

Health and Wellness: With the increasing demand for healthcare services,
investments in medical facilities, wellness centers, and health tech are also a
 priority. This aligns with Baguio’s focus on enhancing residents’ quality of
life through improved health services

Targeted Industries for Investment Support:

Baguio actively promotes the ICT and green technology sectors while
encouraging industries that align with its sustainability goals. The city’s focus
includes IT-enabled services, tourism, and creative industries, particularly in
line with its Smart City vision. It also emphasizes improving urban resilience
through environmental management and disaster preparedness technologies

4. How do you balance the needs of economic development with preserving Baguio’s cultural
heritage?

Balancing economic development with the preservation of Baguio's cultural heritage

is a delicate and ongoing effort by the local government, community stakeholders, and
residents. The city has been strategic in integrating development plans with cultural
sustainability, guided by several key initiatives and frameworks:

Sustainable Tourism Development: Baguio's tourism industry, a major

driver of its economy, is being shaped with a strong focus on sustainability.
This includes promoting eco-tourism that encourages visitors to appreciate and
respect the city's natural beauty and cultural heritage. The city’s long-term
plans incorporate heritage preservation as part of tourism development to
protect indigenous traditions and crafts while fostering an economy that
supports local artisans and cultural practitioners

Smart City and Digitalization with Cultural Integration: As Baguio

transforms into a smart city, one of its priorities is to ensure that technology
and digital innovations are harmoniously integrated with its cultural heritage.
For instance, the digital twin technology being developed will allow city
planners to analyze urban growth and preservation efforts, ensuring that
cultural sites, landmarks, and heritage zones are protected while modernizing
infrastructure

Heritage Protection Laws and Ordinances: The city has enacted various
ordinances and policies that explicitly protect cultural landmarks and
traditions. Baguio is home to numerous indigenous communities, and the local
government works closely with them to safeguard ancestral domains and
practices. For example, through the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP),
the city defines zones for cultural preservation, guiding future development
projects in line with the values of the indigenous communities

Inclusive Planning and Community Engagement: Baguio actively involves

local communities, especially indigenous groups, in the planning process. This
participatory approach ensures that development aligns with the needs and
traditions of the local people. Public consultations are regularly held to discuss
how urban development projects can be implemented without sacrificing
cultural identity
 Cultural and Creative Hubs: The city encourages the establishment of
cultural hubs where the arts, crafts, and traditions of the indigenous peoples of
the Cordilleras can thrive alongside modern businesses. These spaces serve as
venues for both preserving and showcasing the cultural wealth of Baguio
while offering economic opportunities for local creatives and entrepreneurs

In sum, Baguio City’s approach to balancing economic growth with cultural

preservation is multi-faceted, relying on sustainable practices, legal frameworks,
community involvement, and innovative technologies. This holistic approach aims to
ensure that Baguio retains its unique identity while thriving as a modern, progressive
city.

Balancing Economic Development and Cultural Heritage:

To preserve cultural heritage while pursuing economic growth, Baguio City
incorporates sustainability in its urban planning. The Smart City Project includes
conservation efforts like monitoring air and water quality and prioritizing green
spaces amidst urban development. Programs such as the "Threads of Heritage"
initiative celebrate and promote local traditions, ensuring cultural prese

Innovation and sustainability

1. What steps are being taken to promote sustainable practices within ICT-related businesses?

Baguio City has implemented sustainability-focused projects aimed at integrating

technology with environmental preservation. The Department of Science and
Technology (DOST) recently introduced the Project MINERVA, a P17-million
initiative that uses data science and AI for monitoring air quality, water supply, and
other environmental indicators. This project equips businesses and the government
with tools to design data-driven sustainable solutions, ensuring that ICT activities
contribute to environmental protection

Additionally, partnerships with private sector entities like Cisco under the
UGNAYAN 2030 initiative promote digital infrastructure and connectivity in a
manner aligned with sustainability goals, ensuring technology adoption does not harm
the city’s natural and cultural assets

2. What investment strategies are in place to support the Baguio’s transition to a smart city?

Baguio City's smart city vision, targeted for completion by 2027, hinges on multiple
strategic initiatives:

 Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Collaborations with companies like Cisco leverage

advanced technologies to improve digital infrastructure and promote economic growth while
addressing urban challenges.
 DOST’s Smart Cities Roadmap: This includes digital skills training and the establishment of
data centers, ensuring that both local government and businesses are equipped for a digital
future.
 Environmental Technology Integration: Tools like Project MINERVA
integrate technology to address pollution, traffic congestion, and resource
management, key components of the city's smart city blueprint
 These initiatives align with the city’s broader goal of becoming a green, sustainable,
and technologically advanced urban hub, enhancing both quality of life and economic
prospects

Investment and Business Development

1. What incentives or support systems are available to attract local and foreign investors in the ICT
and IT-BPM sectors?
The Baguio City Local Investment and Incentives Code offers incentives such as business and real
property tax exemptions for up to five years on a graduated scale for qualified investors. The city also
plans to streamline its investment process through a restructured Local Economic Development and
Investment Promotion (LEDIP) unit. This unit will focus on attracting investments, supporting MSMEs,
and promoting local enterprise development

The Smart City initiatives include deploying the Smart City

Command Center and leveraging technologies such as AI and IoT
to enhance governance and urban efficiency. These innovations
reduce operational barriers, making Baguio more attractive to both
local and foreign investors. Furthermore, the city emphasizes
collaboration with technology providers and has received
significant backing, including a ₱200M command center facility

2. Investment: Any challenges in attracting investors to Baguio? How is the Board addressing them?
Baguio faces challenges such as limited urban space and the need to balance environmental
sustainability with economic growth. The city is addressing these by implementing the Project
MINERVA, which uses AI and data science to monitor urban health indicators like air and water
quality. The project supports smart city objectives, showcasing Baguio’s commitment to sustainable
urban redevelopment to attract green investments
roject MINERVA is a smart city project in Baguio City that uses data science and artificial
intelligence (AI) to help with urban rehabilitation and smart city initiatives:
 Goal: To help Baguio City become a smart city and fight climate change
 Focus: To monitor and forecast air quality, water supply and quality, urban mobility, and tourism
demand
 Methods: To deploy sensors, collect data, and use prediction and monitoring models to calculate
a smart city index
 Outputs: To create a visualization dashboard, prediction models, simulation models, and an
enhanced smart city index
 Partners: The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the University of the Philippines –
Baguio Campus, and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Baguio City

Challenges include urban congestion, environmental issues, and

limited land availability. The city addresses these by integrating the
Digital Twin concept, which uses advanced data analytics and
simulations to optimize urban planning and mitigate risks. By
adopting smart technologies and sustainable urban practices,
Baguio is effectively communicating its commitment to long-term
development and attracting investment despite these constraints

3. Are there plans to develop creative hubs or dedicated spaces for creatives, artists and
entrepreneurs in the region?
Yes, there is interest in promoting creative spaces, reflecting Baguio's status as a UNESCO Creative
City. Efforts include cultural preservation projects and plans to integrate creative industries into its
economic development strategies. These spaces will support innovation and entrepreneurship,
particularly in ICT and creative sectors

4. Are there specific programs to support startups and small-to-medium enterprises in the ICT
industry?
Programs under the LEDIP include support for MSMEs and investment zones to foster growth nodes.
These initiatives aim to provide mechanisms for business retention and expansion, encouraging
innovation and technological advancements in ICT startups

Baguio City’s Paleng-QR initiative is guided by Ordinance No. 71-2022, which

encourages public market vendors, sari-sari stores, ambulant vendors, hawkers, and
public transport groups to adopt digital payment systems like QR Ph. The ordinance
supports the Paleng-QR Ph Plus Program, a partnership between the Bangko Sentral
ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG),
aimed at promoting cashless transactions for inclusivity and economic efficiency.

Key provisions of the ordinance include:

 A 2.5% reduction in business taxes for the first year for establishments adopting QR Ph as an
alternative payment mode.
 The promotion of financial inclusion by enabling vendors to accept digital payments, which
proved vital during the pandemic when mobility was restricted.
 Mandates compliance with the Data Privacy Act to protect user confidentiality during digital
transactions.

As of late 2023, about 60% of traders in Baguio City have embraced e-payments,
which is considered essential for its thriving tourism economy, where many visitors
prefer cashless payment options. The program also simplifies transactions for both
businesses and consumers, fostering a more competitive local market environment

The Electronic Business One-Stop Shop (EBOSS) and Electronic Business

Permits and Licensing System (EBPLS) in Baguio City significantly contribute to
the local economy and the growth of MSMEs by streamlining and digitizing essential
processes related to business operations. Here’s how they improve the local economy
and support MSMEs:

1. Simplification of Business Processes

 Ease of Doing Business: EBOSS and EBPLS reduce bureaucracy by allowing businesses to
apply for permits, renew licenses, and monitor application statuses online. This decreases
the time, effort, and cost associated with manual processes, which is particularly beneficial
for MSMEs with limited resources.
 Transparency and Accountability: The systems enhance transparency by providing real-time
updates and reducing opportunities for corruption or inefficiency, which fosters trust in
government processes.

2. Empowering MSMEs
  Cost Efficiency: Digital systems eliminate the need for multiple in-person visits to
government offices, allowing MSMEs to redirect resources and time to other critical areas of
their operations.
 Access to Data and Analytics: These platforms collect data on business trends, which can be
analyzed to provide insights for MSMEs to make informed decisions about market
opportunities and challenges.

3. Boosting Economic Activity

 Faster Business Registrations: By accelerating the business registration and renewal process,
EBOSS and EBPLS encourage more entrepreneurs to formalize their businesses, which
contributes to increased economic activity and a broader tax base.
 Encouraging Investments: Streamlined licensing and permitting create a business-friendly
environment, attracting local and foreign investors and encouraging existing businesses to
expand.

4. Integration with Smart City Goals

 These systems are integral to Baguio City’s Smart City initiative by leveraging technology to
make government services efficient, accessible, and user-friendly. The enhanced
infrastructure supports an ecosystem conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship,
enabling MSMEs to thrive in a digitally connected environment.

5. Resilience and Adaptability

 During crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, EBOSS and EBPLS proved vital in ensuring business
continuity by allowing remote applications and processing. This resilience safeguards the
operations of MSMEs during disruptions.

6. Alignment with National and Global Standards

 By integrating digital platforms such as EBOSS and EBPLS, Baguio aligns with national
mandates like the Ease of Doing Business Act and international standards for sustainable
and smart cities, further enhancing its competitiveness.

In summary, EBOSS and EBPLS create a more efficient, transparent, and supportive
environment for MSMEs, driving economic growth while contributing to the broader
goals of Baguio City as a smart, inclusive, and sustainable urban hub.

Smart City Initiatives: for the city to embrace smart city initiatives that
enhance
urban infrastructure and services through the integration of digital
technologies and
data analytics. Smart solutions for transportation, energy management,
health
care, waste management, and public safety can improve the quality of life
of
residents while stimulating innovation and economic growth; a
Smart City development is perceived as one of technological advances
that aims to improve
people’s quality of life by using new technologies such as Artificial
Intelligence (AI), Internet of
Things (IoT), and digitalization, among others. Smartness is a tool, by way
of the use of
technology, with the aim of becoming a city that is more sustainable,
resilient, adaptive, and
efficient

Digital Twin. A digital twin or a digital city is a technology platform where

the physical city is
recreated in digital space (World Economic Forum, 2022). It is a new
application model in a
smart city construct. The WEF states that the digital twin city has
operational mechanisms
composed of four (4) technical features, namely:
1. A precise mapping of the physical city and digital city - through the use
of technologies
and techniques such as IoT, geographic information system (GIS) and
building
information modelling (BIM). The digital twin city can provide a full picture
of physical
city operations in multiple layers and scales, including static geographical
entities such
as buildings, roads, vegetation, water systems, urban components, and
pipelines, as
well as transitory elements such a people, vehicles, devices, and
organizations;
2. Analysis of and insights from the digital city – based on the convergence
and
integration of data collection from the physical city, it is possible to
analyze factors
such as city congestion, buildings’ energy consumption, urban planning,
and
underground pipelines. As a result, city planners are able to understand
the risks of
city operations and present real scenes through digital simulation, which
can guide
them to improve the city’s logistics;
3. The virtual-real interaction between the digital city and physical city –
by creating a
digital twin city, the physical city is enriched, extended and expanded in
the digital
space. For example, city managers can interact with the physical city on
the digital
platform interface to search specific entities, select 3D spaces for
statistical analysis,
change the city layout and simulate changes in various urban indicators
such as those
relating to congestion and ecology;
4. The intelligent application of insights from the digital city to the physical
city – the
digital twin city platform can present the status of city operations in real
time. The
platform can also be used to predict the possible problems or risks of the
city through
deep learning and simulation

The digital twin of the city is still in its development stages and despite
that, it has already
found important use in the measurement of indicators for its Livability
Index, the Climate and
Disaster Risk Assessment (CDRA), and the updated Comprehensive Land
Use Plan (CLUP).
The development started in January of 2021. It required the consolidation
of data from the
different city departments, the development of the 3D map, and the initial
integration to the
Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS).

DOST Smart City Framework. The Department of Science and

Technology – Philippine
Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and
Development (DOST
PCIEERD) launched its latest formulation of a framework for smart
sustainable communities
and cities which serves as a guide in conceptualizing and prioritizing
research aimed at
developing active, vibrant and sustainable cities by leveraging smart city
solutions.

Figure 106. DOST Framework for Smart Sustainable Communities and Cities (Source:
DOST, 2022).
The framework illustrates that a smart city is an ecosystem that is
comprised of people,
organizations and businesses, policies, and laws and processes that are
integrated together
to create desired outcomes such as government efficiency, economic
development,
sustainability, public safety, health and wellness, quality of life, and
mobility. The indicators
are classified into thirteen (13) areas with their objectives, namely:
1. Economic Opportunity – residents are supported by a thriving local
economy.
Examples of outcomes in this area could include increased employment
opportunities,
reduction in processing times for business permits, and improvements in
the skill levels
in the local labor force. It could also include ICT solutions or services to
support
innovation and technological development of MSMEs, and promotion of
startups
related to ICT on health, biomedical devices, among others;

2. Education – a key ingredient of smart city development focuses on basic

education,
advanced training and certification in universities and community
colleges, e-learning
infrastructure, lifelong learning, adult education, and innovation in
education
technologies, among others. There is a need to include development of
human
resource on ICT, Internet of Things (IoT), big data, Artificial Intelligence
(AI), and
cybersecurity to support the framework;
3. Environmental Quality – examples of outcomes in this area could
include reduced
greenhouse gas emissions, reduction in environmental contaminant levels,
habitat
preservation or renewal, and good solid waste management, among
others;
4. Water and Wastewater – as some communities are now living in water-
stressed areas
or exposed to polluted water sources, managing the current and planning
for the future
needs of communities is another pain point for cities. Water availability,
management
of waterborne diseases and contaminated water will have to be managed;
5. Energy – meeting the energy needs of growing populations in a
sustainable manner is
a key point for cities. Methods for calculating energy savings, taking into
consideration
end-use sectors such as households, industry, services, agriculture and
transport are
needed. Renewable source of energy will be a priority to sustain smart
cities;
6. Finance – investments for local development will contribute to local
gross domestic
product. The commitment of local governments to fiscal responsibility is
crucial in the
achievement of the city’s vision;
7. Governance – the ability to leverage on the collection, processing, and
use of data to
make more effective and efficient everyday decisions are towards smarter
governance.
The establishment of a data hub is important to ensure an evidence-based
planning
and decision-making approach as city executives are guided by a facility
that can
monitor impacts, externalities, and progress.
8. Health and Recreation – it is necessary that residents are able to live an
active and
healthy life. Examples of outcomes in this area include access to
programmed
recreation, availability of remote health services, reduction of adverse
health
outcomes, and sanitation;
9. Safety, Security, and Resilience – it is important that residents live in a
safe and secure
community. Examples of outcomes in this area could include reduced
crime rates,
increased safety for women and children, and improved emergency
response times.
Ensuring citizens feel safe and secure and having an emergency
management plan to
include risk mitigation is another key requirement for cities and
communities;
10. Infrastructure – sustainable, safe and resilient buildings and civil
engineering works
are essential for cities to thrive in the future. Building products and
materials, effective
design planning, interconnectivity, energy performance, the protection
against climate
change and disasters, test methods for resilience and quality, information
management
in construction, ergonomically-design green buildings and more should be
considered;
11. Transportation and Mobility – residents should be able to move freely
within their
communities. Examples of outcomes in this area could include utilization
of
environmentally-friendly transportation, increased accessibility to public
transportation,
reduce first mile/last mile gaps, reduction of congestion, road traffic safety
management system aimed at organizations that interact with the road
traffic system
to reduce death and serious injuries;
12. Urban Planning – the focus in on effective land use planning. The goal
is to provide a
sustainable layout for the city that can support its people, as well as the
provision of
their citizen’s basic needs, services, and infrastructure;
13. Empowerment and Inclusion – residents should be supported and
given the
opportunity to participate in the community through the provision of
business
opportunities to promote a sustainable community. Examples of outcome
in this area
could include reduced homelessness rates, reductions in the number of
institutionalized children ad youth, better integration of newcomers,
refugees, youth,
seniors, invisible minorities, and marginalized members in the community.
There
should also be opportunities to participate in, and to be informed about,
the democratic
process/decisions affecting the community.
The smart city indicators are proposed to be adopted to serve as the
baseline for measuring
the transformation of the city to becoming a smart city.

Smart City and Human Development Index. IMD, an independent

academic institute based
in Switzerland publishes a yearly Smart City Index Report
([Link]
Index-Report-20231/34/). The IMD Smart City Index assesses the perceptions
of residents on
issues related to two (2) pillars, namely: (1) structures pillar; and (2)
technology applications
pillar that are available to them from their city. The structures refer to the
existing infrastructure
of the cities, and technology describes the technological provisions and
services available to
the inhabitants. Each pillar is evaluated over five (5) key areas: health and
safety, mobility,
activities, opportunities, and governance. The cities that were assessed by
the IMD Smart
City Index were distributed into four (4) groups based on the Global Data
Lab’s Human
Development Index (HDI) score of the city. The HDI is a summary measure
of average
achievement in key dimensions of human development: a long and
healthy life (life expectancy
at birth), being knowledgeable (expected years of schooling of school
entering age) and
having a decent standard of living (gross income per capita). The report
emphasizes that the
Smart City Index is a tool for action since it is based on people’s
perceptions which were
captured via surveys.
The city can also adopt a localized smart city survey along with its IEC
activities on its targeted
transformation. Baguio’s smart city transformation should be aligned with
social
transformation and innovation through information and technology.

In conjunction with ISO 37120, ISO 37122:2019: Sustainable Cities and

Communities –
Indicators for Smart Cities, helps cities identify indicators for applying city
management
systems and to implement smart city policies, programs, and projects.

As the city has started its transformation to becoming a Smart City, it

should
explore Smart Mobility which will be able to integrate its multi-modal
transport system and provide for efficiency, safety, flexibility, and clean
technology. The social benefits of Smart Mobility will need to be studied,
especially if integrated with road pricing or congestion charging

BAGUIO CITY – The local government declared the City’s ambition

to achieve smart city status by 2027 at the Luzon ICT Champions
Conference 2024, highlighting a strategic commitment to a smart,
green, and sustainable quality of life.

“Our decision to transform the city of Baguio into a smart city is

aligned with our strategic direction of becoming a smart, green, and
sustainable city with the ultimate goal of improving the urban quality
of life of our residents,” city officials said.

It was also emphasized that the city’s primary goal is to utilize

technology to combat climate change effectively and work towards
achieving net zero emissions.

Moreover, city officials clarified that despite recent advancements,

the city is not yet officially considered a “smart city.” However, the city
has made significant progress by establishing a command or smart
command platform. It was revealed that the city is utilizing Cisco
Technology, a single technology solution that is being projected to be
one of the best globally.

Baguio City is grappling with a host of development challenges and

significant urban issues that require urgent attention and resolution.
City officials highlighted the city’s struggles with overpopulation
overload, misaligned land use plans, inadequate waste management,
traffic congestion, and air pollution, as well as climate-related
hazards like landslides and flooding. Notably, urban decay is already
taking hold within the city.

It was stressed that today’s focus revolves around tackling these

pressing issues head-on. All 53 strategic, analytic, and catalytical
projects have been specifically designed to combat urban decay in
Baguio. Given the city’s limited land availability, prudent management
of its land resources is vital to strike a harmonious balance between
development, conservation of green spaces, and addressing the
varied needs of different sectors within the community.

It was articulated the rationale behind the development of a net zero

roadmap, outlining a progressive vision for the city’s future. By
harnessing artificial intelligence, information, and technology, the city
aims to address existing challenges, enhance operational efficiency,
and effectively manage resources. This strategic approach
emphasizes the evolution of solutions over time to elevate the quality
of government services, improve citizen welfare, and offer enhanced
lifestyles through innovative smart services.

Despite facing obstacles exacerbated by the pandemic, Baguio City

is steadfast in its ambition to transition into a smart city by 2027.
Working actively with stakeholders and technology partners, the city
is dedicated to materializing its ambitious digital platform. The
implementation of the smart city system revolves around the
thoughtful integration of various building blocks in a synchronized
and cohesive manner.

A pivotal milestone in this journey was the successful procurement of

a groundbreaking Smart City Command Center valued at 200 million
pesos with the support of former President Rodrigo Duterte. This
state-of-the-art facility, inaugurated in September 2021, stands as a
pioneering achievement as the first of its kind in the entire country, he
added.

Jessraf S. Palmares, the President of the National ICT Confederation

of the Philippines (NICP), conveyed his delight and admiration to the
local government commending its forward-thinking approach that
recognizes technology as a crucial tool in addressing the myriad
challenges faced by a city. Palmares emphasized the critical
importance of embracing digital transformation, warning that failure to
do so would result in being left behind in a rapidly evolving
landscape. He underscored that technology represents the future,
transcending boundaries while harnessing the power of artificial
intelligence (AI) or generated AI to revolutionize the way individuals
live their lives. Despite posing challenges to the current job market,
particularly in the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector,
Palmares stressed the necessity for individuals to adapt and upskill
themselves to meet the evolving demands of the industry.

Baguio City is on a transformative path to becoming a smart city by

2027, guided by five key pillars: Security, Sustainability, Efficiency,
Community-oriented, and Lifestyle. It was articulated that this
ambitious vision rests upon a solid foundation of good governance.
Stressing the importance of prudence, fairness, and responsibility, It
was emphasized the imperative for city leaders to uphold rigorous
ethical standards and integrity, while ensuring transparency and
accountability to cultivate public trust in government.

“Smarter is a more responsive and livable city, we don’t want just to

be a smart city. We want to be a connected city. A truly connected
city in which every citizen is connected, and every citizen is able to
benefit from this vision,” city officials conclude. Trust was
emphasized as the bedrock of Baguio City, serving as a linchpin for
fostering community support for city initiatives.