MANILA, 21 July 2026 – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reinforced the Philippines’ leadership in advancing smart and sustainable urban development across Southeast Asia as it chaired the 9th ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN) Annual Meeting and Smart City Talks on 20-21 July 2026 via videoconference.
As this year’s ASCN Chair, the DILG convened representatives from ASEAN Member States and development partners in a virtual dialogue to strengthen regional cooperation, exchange innovative governance practices, and advance the implementation of the ASEAN Smart Cities Action Plan.
Representing DILG Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla, Undersecretary for Local Government Marlo Iringan emphasised that building smart cities is not simply about embracing new technologies but about creating communities that are more inclusive, resilient, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of the people.
“By exchanging experiences, sharing best practices and learning from one another, we can develop practical solutions that strengthen our cities and improve governance across ASEAN,” Iringan said.
During the meeting,Iringan presented the Philippines’ continuing efforts to strengthen local governance, accelerate digital transformation, and enhance climate change adaptation at both the national and local levels, in line with the country’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 National Roadmap.
He stressed that ASEAN’s greatest strength lies in its willingness to work together despite its diversity.
“Looking at these multi-sectoral perspectives, it is clear that ASEAN’s strength does not come from conveniently having all the answers. It comes from our willingness to learn from and share each other’s diverse backgrounds and culture,“ he said.
“We are united in how we celebrate our victories, rise from our challenges, and move forward together,” he added.
The annual meeting also served as a platform for ASEAN cities and development partners to identify new opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and economic cooperation as the region advances toward its vision of smart, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities by 2030.
Through its chairmanship of the ASCN, the DILG continues to strengthen the Philippines’ role in shaping regional cooperation on smart governance, recognising that innovation delivers its greatest impact when it empowers local governments, improves public services, and enhances the quality of life of every ASEAN citizen.
