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| (Image Source: The Samar Chronicle/Department Of Science And Technology - Philippines via Claire Bernadette A. Mondares, DOST-STII) |
To make Catbalogan City a smarter and more connected community, its City Information and Communications Technology Office (CICTO) is turning plastic wastes into digital connectivity through a smart city solution that addresses both environmental pollution and limited access to internet connectivity. The project was officially launched during the Regional Smart Communities Exposition and Networking Engagement (rSCENE) held in Catbalogan City, Samar last October 6, 2026.
“What we’re solving here are two things. First, our environmental protection — the plastics. Because we noticed that in Antiao River, there’s a lot of plastic. Even in the parks. Then, the other part is that when you do good deeds, you throw plastics in the Eco-Connect, [then] you will have it returned [the connectivity],” said Catbalogan City ICT Officer Engr. Exequiel Cabrigas in an interview. The idea of the Eco-Connect Wi-Fi vending machine came from last year’s rSCENE which was also held in Catbalogan City. It was developed by a senior high school student, Mary Angelique Cabrigas from Samar National High School, who won third place at the Idea and Reverse Pitching Competition. The Eco-Connect’s interface is similar to the ‘piso-net’ — where you can insert coins for a few minutes of Wi-Fi connection. But in Eco-Connect, every plastic bottle thrown into the machine converts to two minutes of internet connection. Cabrigas said it has a Raspberry Pi processor that detects plastics and tin cans. Since students increasingly rely on internet connectivity, Cabrigas said they will initially install vending machines in schools like Samar National School, Samar State University (SSU), Catbalogan Community College, Catbalogan 1 Elementary School, Catbalogan 3 Elementary School, and in the Imelda public plaza. “Actually, we have a partnership with the schools. The schools provide the internet to the machines. It’s their social responsibility. We will collect plastic, then we will bring it to our processing plant,” said Cabrigas. He also said that the collected plastics will then be processed into bricks or chairs which will be donated back to the school.
The Eco-Connect, one of the five smart city solutions launched in Catbalogan City as part of the rSCENE 2026, is also ready for adoption. Moreover, highlighting the core of ‘Agham Na Ramdam’, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. said every technology must be tailored to the specific context, culture, and geography of a locality; thus, local government units (LGUs) are the most important partners in bringing science to the grassroots. Solidum added, “There is no single template for a smart community. Whether we look at the leadership of Leyte Governor Jericho Petilla, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, or Baguio City Mayor Benjie Magalong — their experiences teach us that we should not copy solutions blindly. We must learn, adapt, and innovate according to our local realities.” The rSCENE 2026 served as a collaborative platform for fairs, competitions, expositions, networking, presentations, and engagement involving individuals, institutions, innovators, students, organizations, and technology advocates. This was the second culmination held in the country, hosted by Catbalogan City as the DOST’s partner LGU, to demonstrate and benchmark the smart and sustainable communities program in the region. According to Catbalogan City Administrator Dennis G. Cosmod, they want to position Catbalogan City as a destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibition (MICE), particularly for ICT innovations, smart and sustainable communities, and knowledge-sharing events.
The rSCENE is one of the initiatives of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions And Opportunities For All.
(With words by Claire Bernadette A. Mondares, DOST-STII)
