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Cauayan City took a significant leap toward becoming a model smart and sustainable community as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) spearheaded collaborative efforts with SEERMO and the Electromobility Research and Development Center (EMRDC). The initiative, anchored on the Smart and Sustainable Communities Program, brought together technology innovators, city officials, and science leaders to lay the groundwork for transformative urban mobility and digital solutions.
In a series of exploratory meetings, the founder of SEERMO—a mobile and video-based AI platform that enables 10x faster urban planning data collection and analysis—and DOST Balik Scientist Dr. Syrus Gomari, together with co-founder Mr. Tim Vargas, presented a 2025–2028 development plan designed to shift Cauayan City’s transport system from car-centric to people-centric. Powered by artificial intelligence, the plan aimed to promote sustainable mobility planning and harness science, technology, and innovation to build smarter, greener cities.
The EMRDC complemented the discussion by unveiling its electric vehicle roadmap, emphasizing the commercialization of Electric Tricycle (E-Trike) and Converted Tricycle (C-Trike) technologies—both seen as vital in reducing carbon emissions and promoting clean transport alternatives.
As part of the pilot implementation, Mayor Caesar S. Dy Jr. targeted 20 units of tricycles to be converted to C-Trikes for initial deployment within the city, with operations anticipated to commence before the conduct of iSCENE 2026. These units will form the city’s initial fleet and highlight its partnership with ACT Machineries and Metal Craft Corporations, Local Industry Adoptor of Electric Vehicles developed by EMRDC.
Alongside these mobility initiatives, the Digital Business Locator (DBL) and ODeSSEE projects advanced into their data-gathering phase. The project team oriented the department heads of LGU Cauayan to secure essential data sets needed for implementation, setting the stage for improved business mapping and smart city services.
DOST’s strong participation underscored the importance of science and technology in creating future-ready communities. By fostering collaborations that integrate innovative transportation systems, digital solutions, and sustainable planning, Cauayan City has strengthened its position as a Philippine leader in smart and green development.
