The Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology strengthened its role in advancing smart and sustainable communities through the Ceremonial Signing of Memoranda of Agreement for Project ANGELA (Transforming Urban Mobility with Care and Innovation in Science City of Muñoz) and SCDI-HUB (AI-Driven Smart City Data Integration and Decision Intelligence Hub for Science City of Muñoz) on April 16, 2026, held at the Balai ti Muñoz, City Tourism Building, Science City Park, Catalanacan, Science City of Muñoz.

This project will serve as NEUST’s direct intervention in the global fuel crisis by pioneering science-based solutions that reduce dependence on traditional fossil fuels, promote sustainable transport systems, and transform urban mobility through smart, caring, and innovative technologies.

The milestone was sealed during the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for Project ANGELA held at Balai ti Muñoz, City Tourism Building.

The activity marked a collaborative initiative between NEUST, the Local Government Unit of Science City of Muñoz, Central Luzon State University, and the Department of Science and Technology to implement innovative and data-driven solutions for urban mobility and smart governance.

Project ANGELA proposed by NEUST was also endorsed by Ms. Leidi Mel B. Sicat, Provincial Director of the Provincial Science and Technology Office–Nueva Ecija, further strengthening institutional support for the initiative.

The event was attended by key stakeholders, including DOST-Central Luzon Regional Director Dr. Julius Caesar V. Sicat, NEUST University President Rhodora R. Jugo, Project ANGELA Leader Ronnie Juliano, City Mayor Baby Armi Alvarez, City Vice Mayor Nestor Alvarez, CLSU Vice President Ariel Mactal, and SCDI-HUB Project Leader Marlon Naagas, together with the NEUST RET Project Team.

Hon. Baby Armi Alvarez, City Mayor of Science City of Muñoz, delivered the opening message and emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, “Sa bawat proyektong ito, malinaw na ang direksyon natin ay isang lungsod that utilizes technology and innovation, hindi lamang para sa progreso kundi para sa kapakanan ng bawat mamamayan.”

She highlighted that the collaboration, including NEUST’s Project ANGELA, will enhance service delivery, improve planning, and support the city’s vision of becoming a smart and responsive community.

DOST–Central Luzon Regional Director Dr. Julius Caesar V. Sicat, CESO III, led the occasion and underscored the shared vision of building smart and sustainable communities through science, technology, and innovation. He delivered a message and underscored the impact of science and technology initiatives, stating, “Because in the end, a truly smart city is not defined by technology alone but by how that technology improves the lives of its people.”

The presentation of Project ANGELA and SCDI-HUB was delivered by Aeron Bermudez, Supervising Science Research Specialist of DOST Nueva Ecija, outlining key features of smart mobility and data-driven governance systems.

Dr. Rhodora Jugo, NEUST University President, delivered the message of commitment and reaffirmed the university’s leadership in the initiative, stating, “On behalf of Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, I commit our full commitment to this partnership for Project ANGELA.”

She emphasized that NEUST will contribute its expertise and resources to ensure the successful implementation of innovative solutions that will empower communities and support sustainable development.

The ceremonial signing of the Memoranda of Agreement for Project ANGELA formalized NEUST’s partnership with stakeholders in advancing smart mobility solutions for the Science City of Muñoz.

Dr. Ariel Mactal, CLSU Vice President for Administration, also delivered a message of commitment and highlighted the role of innovation and collaboration in realizing smarter and more inclusive communities.

The activity continued with the ceremonial signing of the Memoranda of Agreement for CLSU’s SCDI-HUB, further strengthening inter-institutional collaboration for smart city development.

The event concluded with a statement of support and ways forward from City Vice Mayor Nestor Alvarez, reinforcing the shared commitment of all partners in building a smarter, more efficient, and people-centered Science City of Muñoz.

The partnership marks a bold step forward, proving that when academe, government, and science converge, communities do not just move—they thrive.

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