Authors : Bon Carlo D. Salonga

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 9 - September

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/a7hszfea

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26sep1271

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : This research investigated the multi-sectoral readiness of Barcelona, Sorsogon, to implement the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP). Utilizing a qualitative descriptive research design through the lens of the Quadruple Helix model, the study evaluated the insights and perceptions of twentyfive purposively sampled key informants from the Government, Academe, Industry (farmers and fisherfolks), and Civil Society Organization (CSO) sectors to transition into a "Smart Community". Findings revealed an "aspirational but fragmented" readiness; while the LGU sector perceived the program as operationally ready and politically wellsupported, its implementation is constrained by multi-sectoral silos, a fragmented data management system, and severe infrastructure limitations across the academe, industry, and CSO sectors. Identified opportunities for community empowerment and socio-economic growth are currently offset by barriers such as an unstable internet and signal connectivity gap, physical infrastructure limitations, climate vulnerability, and grassroots technology anxiety. Other existing infrastructures and governance policies provide a strong baseline of active transactional modules, physical facilities, and supportive state directives, but their actual deployment is heavily constrained by localized system fragmentation, data silos, and severe educational resource deficits. Key challenges include a perception of total technological dependency and high maintenance risks, with sustainable adoption heavily constrained by an operational fear of mechanical downtime, generational software resistance, and institutional personnel burnout. To address these structural gaps, the study proposed a strategic implementation plan designed to improve execution by shifting from simple hardware distribution to establishing a human-centric support ecosystem. Core strategies focus on multi-sectoral governance synchronization, inclusive digital literacy interventions, centralized data integration, and permanent financial sustainability mechanisms. Ultimately, this research provides a localized, evidence-based roadmap for fourth-class municipalities to achieve smart advancement while balancing technological progress with institutional and human readiness to prevent social exclusion in rural innovation.

Keywords : Smart and Sustainable Communities Program, Community Readiness, Quadruple Helix, Digital Divide, Barcelona Sorsogon.

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