Iligan City has taken a significant step toward becoming a smarter and more resilient urban centre with the official launch of the Township Innovation Management Application (TIMApp). This digital platform is designed to enhance local governance, streamline city planning and bolster disaster preparedness through the integration of technology, data and innovation.
TIMApp is a flagship initiative under the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Smart and Sustainable Communities Programme (SSCP), which advocates for the use of science, technology and innovation to support sustainable development in local communities. Iligan is one of six pilot local government units (LGUs) in Region 10 selected to participate in the programme, reflecting its commitment to forward-looking, citizen-focused governance.
The launch marks the culmination of the city’s 2023 initiative titled “ILIG-ON-NOVATION: Digitalizing Transactions in Pilot Barangays of Iligan City thru TIMApp Towards Smarter Communities”. With a total budget of PHP 1 million, funded jointly by DOST-10 and the city government, the project aimed to develop and roll out a mobile application that would allow residents to access key government services more conveniently and efficiently.
In parallel with TIMApp, Iligan City has established critical infrastructure to support its digital transformation. This includes the creation of a Smart City Command Center and a Resilience Innovation Hub, both of which are central to the city’s strategy of enhancing real-time responsiveness. The hub is supported by a network of 228 AI-powered CCTV cameras, enabling continuous monitoring and data gathering to inform decision-making, especially during emergencies and disasters.
TIMApp forms a central component of the city’s broader Project Lungsod—an integrated approach to urban development that weaves together technology adoption, academic research, community participation and institutional capacity-building. The project aims to redefine public service delivery and promote inclusive, transparent and anticipatory governance.
Jhonny Paul Hui Lagura, City Consultant on Innovation Governance and Head of the Center for Digital Iligan Innovation and Sustainability emphasised the broader vision behind TIMApp. “It is not just about governance. It’s about innovation governance. It’s not all about being tech-savvy; it’s also about people-centred programmes,” he said, highlighting the human-centric design of the city’s digital initiatives.
The efforts have garnered praise from regional stakeholders. Virgilio Fuertes, DOST Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services, acknowledged the city’s significant progress in implementing SSCP initiatives.
“Since we started three years ago, Iligan City has truly levelled up. In fact, this coming May, there will be another international Smart City Exhibit in Region 2 and Iligan City was nominated as one of the best local government units in implementing the programmes of DOST,” he noted.
The unveiling of TIMApp took place as part of the Northern Mindanao Regional Innovation Programme and Exhibit 2025, an event aimed at showcasing the region’s strides in innovation, sustainability and community resilience. Iligan’s participation in the exhibit positions it as a model city for others looking to embrace digital solutions in governance and disaster risk reduction.
With TIMApp, Iligan City is not only enhancing service delivery but also redefining how local governments can harness innovation for long-term urban resilience and inclusive development. Through continued collaboration with national agencies, local stakeholders and technology partners, Iligan is setting a benchmark for other cities across the Philippines to follow.
The Philippines is increasingly adopting cutting-edge and digital technologies to strengthen critical event management and disaster preparedness. These innovations aim to enhance real-time response, coordination and resilience across vulnerable communities.
DOST Secretary Renato Solidum urged collective action in using science and technology for disaster resilience, highlighting that tools like FFWS and REDAS are most effective when paired with community preparedness, proactive planning, education, training, collaboration and local government engagement, alongside timely data, public awareness, drills, leadership and long-term sustainability efforts.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Samaya Dharmaraj
Quelle/Source: Open Gov Asia, 03.05.2025
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