Manila, Oct. 9 -- Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. is urging communities in Eastern Visayas to harness science, technology and innovation in developing practical solutions to their needs.

The DOST chief made this appeal on Thursday during the three-day Regional Smart Communities Exposition and Networking Engagement (rSCENE) 2026 currently being held in Catbalogan City in Samar province.

Solidum said smart communities should not be measured by the amount of technology they have but by how these technologies respond to the needs of people and improve their daily lives.

"Science that responds, technology that enables, and innovation that creates opportunities," Solidum said, underscoring the role of...