UC proudly congratulates Architect Irene G. Florendo, UC architecture faculty member, for being selected as one of only three professors from the Philippines to participate in the University of Tokyo’s Summer Course on Smart Cities.

The prestigious international program brought together 30 participants from 11 countries, with the University of the Cordilleras and University of the Philippines Diliman representing the Philippines. The course provided a platform for academic and professional exchange on cutting-edge approaches to urban innovation, sensing technologies, and sustainable city transitions.

The training focused on advanced practices in Japanese cities that apply data-driven technologies for efficient and livable urban environments. Participants explored topics such as advanced sensing technologies for urban flows, image processing, laser radar applications, autonomous driving, and ongoing smart city developments across Japan.

Architect Florendo’s involvement in this program reflects the university’s pursuit of innovation, sustainability, and design excellence- empowering both faculty and students to engage with emerging technologies that shape the future of cities.

UC celebrates this milestone as a testament to the dedication and global engagement of its faculty in advancing sustainable urban design and smart city research.

This initiative supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) by advancing global learning and academic collaboration. It promotes SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through the exploration of new urban technologies and smart infrastructure systems. It contributes to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by focusing on data-driven urban development and sustainability practices. Lastly, it reinforces SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering international collaboration among universities and professionals in shaping smarter, more sustainable cities worldwide.