Mandaue secures P5 million grant for digital projects

CEBU, Philippines — The Mandaue City government has received a P5 million grant from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to implement a “digital twin” project, a drone-based mapping system aimed at identifying areas vulnerable to disasters and other urban concerns.

Councilor Carlo Fortuna said the grant will fund the acquisition of drone technology to create a digital map of the city that will help identify locations prone to fires, flooding, traffic congestion, and other risks.

“The City of Mandaue is very fortunate that DOST has partnered with us to make Mandaue a smart city,” Fortuna said.

The digital twin project is among the initiatives under the Smart Mandaue Road Map, which was officially launched during the Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week on July 13.

The roadmap seeks to strengthen disaster resilience, urban planning, environmental management, and community development through data-driven decision-making and the use of science and technology.

Fortuna said the City Planning and Development Office will lead the implementation of the project, with the data gathered through the drone technology expected to support planning and policy decisions in addressing the city’s priority concerns.

The City Council earlier approved a resolution authorizing Mayor Thadeo Jovito Ouano to sign the Memorandum of Agreement between the city government and DOST for the implementation of the project.

According to Fortuna, the program will run until 2029. He added that the technology will provide detailed mapping data that can help the city improve disaster preparedness, infrastructure planning, traffic management, and other public services.(CEBU NEWS)