On March 5, 2025, Guillermo M. Luz, Chairman of Liveable Cities Philippines, opened the year’s first Liveable Cities Lab titled “Data and the City: Using Data to Create Competitive Cities” at Aboitiz Tech Space, AIM, Makati. The event emphasized how data plays a vital role in developing cities that are competitive, sustainable, resilient, and liveable. Luz underscored that for Philippine cities, data was crucial for improving public services and driving long-term growth.
The Lab brought together experts and city leaders to share insights on how data could transform urban governance and planning. Speakers such as Ms. Ofie Templo (DSWD), Dr. Alvin Ang (Center for Strategic and Policy Studies), Mayor Ferdie Estrella of Baliwag City, and Abel Capco of Globe Telecom discussed real-world applications and success stories. The event highlighted that effectively using data allows cities to better serve their citizens and plan strategically for the future.
This initiative was made possible through partnerships with the League of Cities of the Philippines, Coca-Cola Philippines, and Globe Business. The collaboration created a dynamic platform for learning and engagement, both on-site and online. The success of the event demonstrated the growing recognition of data as a foundational tool in shaping livable and future-ready cities.