The Philippines is poised to assume a critical regional leadership role as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is to officially take on the Chairmanship of the ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN) in 2026.

The chairmanship was formally transferred on September 9th by Malaysia’s Deputy Secretary-General Mohd Hazli Bin Ahmad Adnan to DILG Undersecretary Marlo L. Iringan. This signals the country’s reinforced dedication to leading regional smart, resilient, and people-centered urbanization.

During the 8th ASCN Annual Meeting, Usec. Iringan highlighted that being a smart community is not merely about installing high-tech infrastructure; it is fundamentally about ensuring accountable and efficient local governance that directly improves the lives of citizens.

The DILG’s leadership will focus on integrating technological advancement with the core Bagong Pilipinas mandate:

Verifiable Impact: Usec. Iringan presented the demonstrable progress of our member cities, including the Command City Upgrade and e-Government Service in Manila and the strategic implementation of the Converged Command Center and Control in Davao.

Driving LGU Accountability: The expansion of the ASCN to include Cauayan City in 2025 emphasizes the national drive to ensure all LGUs, regardless of size, adopt the standards necessary for efficient service delivery.

Global Best Practices: The ongoing initiatives showcase tangible, modern solutions: Cebu’s Automated Citywide Traffic Control System and Bus Rapid Transit System and Davao’s focus on Intelligent Transportation and Security.

“These projects demonstrate that smart cities are not an abstract idea,” Iringan said. “They are real solutions that improve daily life–faster services, safer streets, more efficient mobility, and stronger resilience.”

The DILG also highlighted the Developing Resilient, Innovative, Vibrant, and Efficient Smart Local Governments Nationwide (DRIVEN) Program, implemented with the World Bank, which lays the groundwork for a Philippine Smart Local Governments (PSLG) platform. This initiative will unite LGUs and partners nationwide to integrate digital governance, sustainable infrastructure, and citizen-driven innovation.

“Being a smart and sustainable community is not just about high-tech infrastructure, but also about fostering a sense of community, creativity, and resilience among its citizens,” he added.

Established in 2018 in Singapore, the ASCN is a collaborative platform that connects 35 cities across Southeast Asia to pursue innovative and sustainable solutions to urban challenges

With its chairmanship, the Philippines will steer the ASCN’s collaboration among 35 cities across Southeast Asia, building on its track record to position Filipino LGUs at the forefront of regional efforts to modernize urban governance, advance climate resilience, and enhance the quality of life for all citizens.

The Philippines is ready to lead the ASCN, ensuring this platform drives real, felt change at the grassroots level.

Original Article At: https://www.dilg.gov.ph/news/PH-DILG-to-Chair-ASEAN-Smart-Cities-Network-in-2026-Setting-the-Standard-for-Resilient-and-Accountable-Local-Governance/NC-2025-1225