City of Pasig Banks on its Young Tech Savvy Innovators for its Future as a Smart City
The City of Pasig is banking on its young, technology-skilled innovators to lead the way as the city transitions into becoming one of the National Capital Region’s Smart Cities.
Smart Cities and Communities have been defined as those that use technology and digital services to improve the lives of its residents and businesses in areas such as transportation, energy, and infrastructure.
To give their young people a head start, the city hosted last March 7, 2025, a 3D Printing Innovation Challenge in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology-National Capital Region (DOST-NCR), DOST- Advanced Manufacturing Center (AmCen), Department of Education- Schools Division Office (SDO) of Pasig City, and the University of the Philippines National Institute for Science and Mathematics Education Development (UP NISMED). Held at the Pasig Elementary School, the competition served as a platform for students to explore 3D modeling and printing, develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and apply these technologies to navigate and solve real-world problems.
The competition is an offshoot of the project, “STEMbooster: Strengthening Maker Education in SDO-Pasig City” which aims to enhance Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education by equipping senior high schools in Pasig City with advanced learning tools, including 3D printers and the Versatile Instrumentation System for Science Education Research (VISSER) devices.
In her message, DOST-NCR Regional Director Engr. Romelen Tresvalles noted that, “at DOST-NCR, we firmly believe that science can bring us beyond borders, and that an educated population and endless creation of innovations will allow us to prosper and to overcome issues and challenges that our country faces”.
In turn, with his strong advocacy for education and youth development, Pasig City Mayor Ma. Regis Sotto highlighted in his message the importance of nurturing STEM education and exposure to advanced technologies. His presence at the event underscored the local government’s dedication to supporting initiatives that equip students with the skills that they need to thrive in an ever-evolving technological landscape.
Eleven (11) senior high schools in Pasig City participated in the competition, namely, Buting Senior High School, Eusebio High School, Kapitolyo High School, Nagpayong High School, Pinagbuhatan High School, Pasig City Science High School, Rizal High School, San Lorenzo Ruiz Senior High School, Sta. Lucia High School, Santolan High School and Ugong Pasig National High School.
After a showcase of creativity and innovation through 3D Printing, three (3) schools bagged the first 3D Printing Innovation Challenge titles, with 3rd place won by the San Lorenzo Ruiz Senior High School, 2nd place to Ugong National High School and the 1st place and Best Pitch won by the team from Pinagbuhatan High School.
Moving forward, DOST-NCR, in partnership with SDO Pasig City, UP NISMED and DOST AMCen, plans to support the integration of 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing into the DepEd K-12 curriculum. This move aims to equip students in Pasig City with future-ready skills aligned with industry advancements and the evolving demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Further, this initiative reflects DOST-NCR’s strong commitment to advancing science, technology, and innovation and to building smart cities and communities in the National Capital Region.
By: Noel G. Calcetas, SCCU
