SafeTravelPH Parasol at the ASEAN IVO Forum 2025 in Singapore

On November 19, 2025, University of the Philippines Professor and SafeTravelPH Co-founder Dr. Noriel Christopher Tiglao presented SafeTravelPH’s PARASOL platform at the ASEAN IVO Forum in Singapore, a regional platform that brings together ASEAN and Japanese ICT research institutes to exchange innovations in AI, digital governance, smart cities, and advanced mobility technologies. 

The ASEAN IVO (ICT Virtual Organization) is supported by Japan’s National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), and the 2025 forum gathered researchers working on digital infrastructure, disaster resilience, logistics, sustainable mobility, and inclusive development across Southeast Asia.

Presenter from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia on smart traffic management using Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT)

In his presentation, “Empowering Paratransit Services in Developing Countries for Clean Energy Transition and Climate Action,” Prof. Tiglao highlighted the persistent operational and financial challenges facing paratransit systems such as jeepneys and minibuses. He showed how modernization policies often overlook the real risk exposures of cooperatives and operators, and how data-driven systems can close this governance gap. 

The PARASOL platform introduces integrated tools for route planning, fleet monitoring, ESG risk assessment, and operational analytics, allowing local transport service entities to improve service quality while aligning with emerging environmental and safety standards. 

A key part of the talk focused on strengthening Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems and introducing smart-contract mechanisms for quality-kilometer incentives. These innovations can support accountability in service contracting and help operators access climate-aligned financing through a robust M&E system. In a sector where financial institutions are often hesitant, having clear operational baselines and verifiable performance data is crucial for improving creditworthiness and long-term sustainability.

Prof. Tiglao also shared ongoing partnerships in cities such as Iloilo, Puerto Princesa, and Naga--demonstrating how data systems, policy research, and local capacity-building can work hand-in-hand to support clean energy transition and improve public transport governance. 

Parasol Solution Framework

Learn more about Parasol and how it can help your cities: safetravelph.org/parasol