The 2025 Baguio Smart City Convergence, held on November 26–27, 2025 at the Baguio Convention & Cultural Center, brought together innovators, students, educators, and technology leaders from across the Cordillera with the theme “Where Innovation Meets the Community.” The two-day event served as a collaborative platform where ideas and emerging technologies converged to support Baguio City’s movement toward sustainable and community-centered urban development.
One of the highlights of the convergence was the Smart Minds Quiz Bee, a knowledge-based competition focused on smart city concepts, technology, current events, and local governance. A total of 20 teams from various Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in CAR competed across three stages – Warm-Up, Head-to-Head, and the Final Showdown – testing participants’ analytical ability, technical knowledge, and quick reasoning.
UC- College of Engineering dominated the event, with the CpE Team, composed of Darlene Jae D. Bueno and Kathleen Clarisse P. Taburada (both BSCpE-3) securing the Championship title. Close behind were their fellow UC representatives, the MexE Team, represented by Jerahmeel D. Rulloda and Rynard Dee P. Alzona (both BSMexE-3), who claimed the 2nd place position.
The 2025 Baguio Smart City Convergence strongly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 on Quality Education, SDG 9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals. The event promotes high-quality learning experiences by challenging students to apply digital literacy, critical thinking, and technological knowledge in real-world contexts. It advances innovation and infrastructure development by encouraging discussions on smart urban solutions and emerging technologies. The convergence also reinforces the vision of sustainable and resilient cities through conversations and activities centered on data-driven governance and community-focused urban planning. Furthermore, by bringing together HEIs, government agencies, and community stakeholders, the event highlights the importance of multi-sector collaboration in driving the region’s smart city initiatives forward.
The 2025 convergence successfully underscored the role of youth, innovation, and partnership in shaping a smarter and more sustainable future for Baguio City and the entire Cordillera.
Dominating the Smart Minds Quiz Bee during the 2025 Baguio Smart City Convergence are (from L-R) Darlene Jae D. Bueno (BSCpE-3), and Kathleen Clarisse P. Taburada (BSCpE-3) as CHAMPION; and Jerahmeel D. Rulloda (BSMexE-3), and Rynard Dee P. Alzona (BSMexE-3) as 2nd Place winner.
