DOST PAMPANGA VISITS MEXICO TO ADVANCE SMART COMMUNITY AND RESILIENCE INITIATIVES

July 17, 2025

The Municipality of Mexico, Pampanga, led by Municipal Administrator Engr. Mark Nestor Pineda on behalf of Mayor Ruding Santos Gonzales, welcomed the Department of Science and Technology – Provincial Science and Technology Office (DOST PSTO-Pampanga) for a courtesy visit on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. The delegation, headed by Provincial Director Mary Michelle M. Quiambao, engaged with local officials in a productive dialogue on smart governance and disaster resilience.
A major highlight of the visit was the confirmation that Mexico is among the 80 pilot areas nationwide chosen under the DOST’s Smart and Sustainable Communities (SSC) Program—a prestigious initiative that empowers LGUs to adopt innovative, technology-driven approaches in local development. This also qualifies the municipality to join the SSC Awards, celebrating excellence in sustainable and inclusive governance.
The conversation also covered the 3C-SHIELD Program (Community Centered Course – Strengthening Hazard Intervention for Enhancing Local Development), a DOST Region III Grants-in-Aid (GIA) project aimed at strengthening LGU capabilities in disaster preparedness. The project includes the rollout of the Community Resilience Transformability Scorecard (CRTS) in two barangays in Mexico and is jointly implemented with the Provincial DRRMO and partner Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) such as PSU, PSAU, MCC, CCSFP, GCC, and CCA.
In attendance were key municipal officers, including Municipal Human Resource Management Officer Christopher Torres, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Victor Sundiang and Municipal Environment & Natural Resources Officer Engr. Arvin Siron, who affirmed their departments’ support in implementing these forward-looking programs.
On behalf of Mayor Rodencio S. Gonzales, Municipal Administrator Engr. Mark Nestor Pineda expressed sincere appreciation to DOST PSTO-Pampanga for recognizing Mexico’s readiness to be a model for science-based governance. He reiterated the administration’s dedication to building a smart, resilient, and sustainable future for all Mexicanos through strategic partnerships and innovation.
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