The Smart Island Project, led by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and its 27 partners, revolutionizes Sacol Island, Zamboanga City. Previously hindered by digital isolation, the island lacked internet access and digital literacy, impeding its growth. The initiative changed the narrative, igniting a transformational journey.

Sacol Island faced profound challenges before the project—no internet connectivity, limited educational resources, and barriers to healthcare and education. Accessible only via jungkung, its remoteness compounded its struggles.

However, since the project's inception, Sacol Island has undergone a remarkable transformation. Reliable internet, ICT resources, and digital literacy initiatives flourished. Telemedicine services advanced healthcare accessibility, while an online video call with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., symbolized newfound connectivity.

Since 2022, over 20,000 residents across four barangays benefited from seven (7) free WiFi sites, ushering in a digital renaissance. Through collaboration, Sacol Island thrives digitally, promoting education, economic vitality, and healthcare excellence. The Smart Island Project epitomizes ICT's transformative potential, driving inclusive progress and prosperity for marginalized communities.

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• Sacol Island, Zamboanga City, Philippines

• Youth
• Older persons
• Women
• Indigenous and nomadic peoples
• The poor
• Remote and rural communities

The success of the Smart Island Project on Sacol Island provides a replicable model for bridging the digital divide in similar geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) across the Philippines. The key elements that make this project replicable include:

Holistic Approach: The project's holistic approach, encompassing internet connectivity, digital literacy training, and strategic partnerships for healthcare services, serves as a blueprint for addressing multiple facets of development in underserved communities. Replicating this approach in other remote areas can lead to comprehensive improvements in connectivity, education, and healthcare.

Community Needs Assessment: The inclusion of a community needs assessment, involving local leaders and sector representatives, ensures that the project is tailored to the specific requirements of each community. Replicating this process allows for a deep understanding of local needs and aspirations, enabling the development of targeted solutions that resonate with the community.

Public-Private Partnerships: The collaboration between government agencies led by DICT and private entities (like DITTO, Huawei, and mWell) showcases the effectiveness of public-private partnerships. This model can be replicated by involving various stakeholders, including telecom companies, technology providers, and healthcare organizations, to pool resources and expertise for the benefit of underserved communities.

By replicating the Smart Island Project model in other regions facing similar challenges, stakeholders can leverage the lessons learned in Sacol Island to bring about positive transformations in connectivity, education, and healthcare for communities that have been historically underserved in the digital realm.

The sustainability of the Smart Island Project on Sacol Island is rooted in its multifaceted approach, encompassing technological, social, economic, and environmental dimensions to ensure lasting impact and resilience.

Technological Sustainability:
The project's technological sustainability is evident in the establishment of critical infrastructure such as telecommunications towers and internet connectivity. The installation of DICT’s tower on the island and the ongoing construction of the telecommunications tower by DITO Telecommunity address the immediate digital needs of Sacol Island and position the community for future advancements. Investing in robust and scalable technology lays the foundation for sustained connectivity and integration of digital solutions.

Social Sustainability:
Digital literacy training is integral to ensuring the social sustainability of the project. Empowering residents with skills to navigate the digital landscape fosters continuous learning and adaptability, benefiting current and future generations. The community-centric approach, involving local leaders in decision-making, fosters ownership and aligns solutions with evolving needs.

Community Engagement and Local Capacity Building:
Community needs assessment and active involvement of local leaders promote sustainability by tailoring solutions to Sacol Island's unique requirements. This approach enhances community resilience and self-sufficiency, reducing dependence on external support. Emphasizing local capacity building through digital literacy ensures the community can manage and adapt to future technological developments.

In essence, the sustainability of the Smart Island Project on Sacol Island lies in its holistic strategy, combining technological investments, social empowerment, economic development, and environmental considerations. By addressing immediate needs and laying the groundwork for long-term resilience, the project sets a sustainable model for digital transformation in underserved communities.

The Smart Island Project on Sacol Island aligns seamlessly with the values of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) by championing inclusivity, accessibility, and the transformative power of information and communication technologies (ICTs). First and foremost, the project tackles the imperative of bridging the digital divide by extending internet connectivity to Sacol Island, a geographically isolated and disadvantaged area. This move ensures that the advantages of the digital age are not confined to urban centers, echoing WSIS's commitment to universal access to information society benefits. Moreover, the project echoes WSIS values through its emphasis on digital literacy. By conducting extensive training programs, such as the Internet and Media Information Literacy (IMIL) webinar, the initiative empowers Sacol Island residents with the essential skills to navigate the digital landscape. This aligns with WSIS's emphasis on building digital capabilities at the individual and community levels to foster an inclusive and informed society. The project's collaborative nature, involving public and private entities like the DICT, Huawei, DITO Telecommunity, and mWell, exemplifies effective partnerships in line with WSIS principles. This collective effort showcases the importance of international cooperation and collaboration to address challenges in the information society. Altogether, the Smart island Project on Sacol Island emerges as a shining example of how ICT initiatives can embody and advance the core values promoted by WSIS, contributing to a more connected, informed, and inclusive global community.