DOST, PSU, Alaminos LGU digitize Hundred Islands park management

ALAMINOS CITY, Pangasinan—The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has partnered with the provincial government of Pangasinan and Pangasinan State University (PSU) to automate and digitize the management system of the Hundred Islands National Park.

On Wednesday, the Hundred Islands National Park Management System (HINPMS) was unveiled as a unified digital governance platform designed to modernize and streamline tourism and administrative services at the popular destination.

Funded under DOST’s Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP) with P1 million, the system aims to enhance visitor experiences while protecting the environment through science and technology.

HINPMS features include:

• Tour Registration Module – digitizes tourist and trip information
• Real-Time Tourist Arrival Monitoring – supports crowd control and resource deployment
• Boat and Driver Management System – centralizes management of registered boats and accredited drivers
• Cashiering System – digitizes financial transactions for tourism services
• Real-Time Reports and Analytics Module – consolidates data into dashboards for trend analysis and performance indicators

“More than a digital tool, it is a transformative platform that enhances efficiency, transparency, and accountability in managing the Hundred Islands National Park," shared DOST Region I Director Dr. Teresita Tabaog.
“Because we are responsible for every soul, every individual coming into this island,” she added.

Tabaog highlighted the broader impact of the project, saying it demonstrates the agency’s commitment to making science and technology accessible while supporting sustainable local development.

“This initiative reflects our mission to make science, technology, and innovation accessible, inclusive, and relevant to communities. It also shows how digital solutions can empower local governments in balancing tourism growth with environmental protection and inclusive development,” she said.

Maridon Sahagun, DOST undersecretary for scientific and technical services, emphasized the project’s role in using science and technology to protect nature.

“We are reminded that progress and preservation do not have to stand at opposite ends. This system is more than a digital platform. It is a symbol of our collective resolve to move forward with innovation that has purpose and conscience,” she said.

Sahagun expressed hope that the program’s success will inspire similar initiatives in other municipalities and tourist destinations nationwide.

“At the Department of Science and Technology, we believe that science must be felt where it matters the most—on the ground… We need to ensure that science and technology is used in the daily operations of our local governments, in the efficiency of our services, and in the protection of our natural heritage,” she said.

“This initiative reflects the true spirit of DOST’s scientific and technical services: bringing knowledge, digital tools, and innovation where they matter most directly to our communities,” Sahagun added.

Meanwhile, Pangasinan 1st District Rep. Arthur Celeste said the new system will help ease the workload of both tourists and the local government in managing the growing destination.

“I challenge our LGU na kung gusto natin masustain ang programang ito, it’s up to us… Sana hindi masayang yung hirap, hindi masayang yung pera na nilaan natin diyan para mapaganda po ang serbisyo natin sa mga turista [at] ganoon din sa inyo," he said.

(I challenge our LGU that if we want to sustain these programs, it’s up to us… I hope our efforts won’t be wasted, and the money we have allotted here is not wasted so that we can better provide services to our tourists [and] to you as well.)

“With this innovation na inintroduce ng gobyerno natin, mapapadali at mapapaganda ang serbisyo natin sa ating mga bisita (our tourism services will be better and easier),” he added.

Beneficiaries of the project expressed optimism that the system will increase convenience for all stakeholders, especially ahead of the busy summer season.

“Itong system po na ginawa is mas mapapadali po yung pagre-register, pagbabayad, at mas magiging convenient po yun sa mga guests… Sa amin po, ganon din po,” said Mary Grace Pascua, Alaminos Tourism Office administrative assistant.

(This system will make registration and payments easier and more convenient for guests… For us, it’s the same.)

“Mas nagiging convenient din po sa amin and sa mga reports na ginagawa po, kasi na-re-record na siya sa system, so hindi na rin po kami mag-manual,” she added.

(It will be more convenient for us and for our reports, since everything is recorded in the system, so we no longer have to do it manually.)—MCG, GMA Integrated News