The Dawn of a Connected Province: A Review of the Internet of Things (IoT) Landscape in Pangasinan

Abstract

The Internet of Things (IoT) is rapidly reshaping industries and public services worldwide, presenting a significant opportunity for developing regions to leapfrog traditional development pathways. This review article explores the current state and potential of IoT applications within the province of Pangasinan, a key agricultural and aquacultural hub in the Philippines. While direct scholarly research on IoT adoption in Pangasinan remains nascent, this paper synthesizes findings from national and regional studies on IoT in critical sectors and applies them to the specific socio-economic context of the province. The objective of this literature review is to identify the most promising areas for IoT implementation in Pangasinan, understand the enabling factors and challenges, and propose a thematic framework for its future development. This study employs a thematic literature review methodology, analyzing peer-reviewed research articles on IoT trends, smart agriculture, aquaculture, healthcare, and smart governance relevant to the Philippine context. The results indicate that the most significant and immediate impacts of IoT in Pangasinan are likely to be realized in the realms of smart agriculture and aquaculture, addressing long-standing challenges in crop management, water quality monitoring, and supply chain efficiency. Further thematic analysis points to potential applications in environmental monitoring, particularly for the province's vital river systems and coastal areas, and in enhancing public service delivery through smart governance initiatives. The review concludes that while Pangasinan is on the cusp of an IoT revolution, its successful realization hinges on concerted efforts in building digital infrastructure, fostering local innovation, and developing human capital. Recommendations include prioritizing government-led pilot projects in agriculture, forging public-private partnerships for technology transfer, and integrating IoT concepts into the curricula of local academic institutions to cultivate a skilled workforce ready to harness the transformative power of a connected Pangasinan.