The 2026 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) Central Visayas, organized by the Department of Science and Technology - Region VII (DOST 7), recently concluded a successful three-day run from July 13 to 15 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel.

As a proud exhibitor and resource partner, CVISNET Foundation, Inc. joined forces with technology innovators and business leaders to sign a milestone Pledge of Commitment, officially forming the Central Visayas Smart Community Consortium. The strength of this multi-sectoral alliance lies in its diverse, powerhouse membership dedicated to regional development: CVISNET Foundation, Inc., Rameses Systems Inc., ARKA, CodeChum, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), and Mata Technologies, Inc.

The ceremonial signing was witnessed by distinguished national and regional leaders, including DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr., DOST Usec. Sancho A. Maborrang, DOST-7 Regional Director Tristan L. Abando, DOST Cebu PSTO Director Bryan B. Ybañez, PCCI Director and VP for MSME Development Melanie C. Ng, DICT-7 Regional Director Frederick Amores, and DTI-7 Regional Director Esperanza "Hope" Melgar.

During the Day 3 session on Tekno Bida: Technologies for Free (Public Good), CVISNET Executive Director Jeffrey N. Llanto took the stage to present “Empowering the Edge: Building Community-Driven Disaster Resilience with AI.” Mr. Llanto highlighted how artificial intelligence can strengthen community-led disaster preparedness and response through the Barangay e-System and Tools (BeST) - a localized technology designed to address real-world challenges in disaster resilience and daily government services.

To conclude the 3-day event, CVISNET was formally honored by the DOST Central Visayas with a Plaque and Certificate of Recognition. This accolade serves as a testament to CVISNET’s enduring partnership with the department and its steadfast commitment to driving impactful, science-and- technology-driven initiatives across the region.