CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines—Samar State University (SSU) officially launched Project TANAW during the Regional Smart Communities Exposition and Networking Engagement (RSCENE) 2025, held today, June 16, 2025 at the Tandaya Hall, Catbalogan City, Samar.
The Project TANAW is an innovative research undertaking that centers on 3D Urban Modeling and Simulation utilizing both GeoVirtual Environment (GeoVE) and Projected Augmented Reality (AR) technologies. This initiative is a response to escalating challenges associated with rapid urbanization worldwide. It focuses on sustainable urban development by employing state-of-the-art 3D modeling and simulation techniques to create an immersive and data-rich digital twin of urban areas. Through TANAW, urban planners, architects, and policymakers shall gain a dynamic platform for envisioning and refining sustainable urban landscapes, addressing issues of environmental impact, resource utilization, and efficient infrastructure design. Project TANAW supports Sustainable Development Goals #9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), #11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), #16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and #17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
The project, led by the university’s Samar Island GIS and Data Analytics Center (SIGISDAC) headed by Engr. Raven Tabiongan, is a 4-million undertaking funded by the Catbalogan City LGU under the leadership of Catbalogan City Mayor Hon. Dexter Uy. Moreover, the Project TANAW Development Team includes Ar. Lhimarose Tanseco (Architect III), Catherine Carcellar, LPT (Project Dev. Officer), Yvonne Chui (Project Admin. Officer), James Cortel (Motion and Effects Designer), and Sonny Boy Ellema (Computer Programmer).
Project TANAW adds to SSU’s growing portfolio of transformative initiatives as the university strengthens its position as a key player in the nation’s research and innovation ecosystem.
The RSCENE converged government agencies, academic institutions, and industry leaders to showcase regional innovations and research developments, and foster regional and national partnerships for knowledge exchange and collaborations.