DILG launches emergency 911 command center in Rizal

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has unveiled an all-new state-of-the-art emergency response center in Morong, Rizal, the first of its kind in the country.

According to a statement on Tuesday from the DILG, the E911 Local Command Center utilizes a Next Generation 911 System, which the US also uses in its emergency response.

Emergency 911 National Office executive director and DILG undersecretary Francis Fajardo said the E911 command center in Morong is “a significant step forward in providing efficient and effective emergency response services to every corner of the nation.”

“This center will serve as the nerve center for emergency operations in Morong. It is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by dedicated personnel trained to handle any crisis with precision and professionalism,” said Fajardo during the center’s inauguration in Sitio Paglabas, Barangay San Pedro, on May 6.

With the opening of the E911 command center, citizens of Morong will now be able to use the emergency 911 hotline instead of the current ten-digit number for emergency calls.

Morong will be the first local government unit (LGU) in a number of LGUs set to partner with NGA Philippines for world-class and complete solutions for emergency communication and public safety services.

READ: Manila opens own version of ‘911’ response center

The NGA is known internationally as the innovator of emergency calling technology used by many states in the USA. Its system is built on the industry standards adopted by the National Emergency Number Association in the US and the European Emergency Number Association.

“NGA is prepared to bring the state-of-the-art E911 system to other LGUs in the archipelago, one LGU at a time,” NGA Philippines country head Robert Llaguno committed.

According to Llaguno, all 911 calls in Morong’s command center will now be fully recorded, with seamless conference and transfer facilities.

“There is more efficient dispatch and coordination. The LGU will also be able to pinpoint with high accuracy the location of the emergency call and associate the same with the closest responders to provide a more immediate response,” he explained.

Among the other LGUs that will follow Morong’s include one in North Luzon, one in Visayas, and one in Mindanao.

READ: DILG says national emergency hotline 911 now operational

“There is a growing number [of LGUs] shifting to Next Generation 911 and we are seeing a lot of local chief executives prioritizing public safety [for their constituents],” said Llaguno.

After Morong, the E911 National Office and DILG said it is aiming to bring state-of-the-art emergency response systems to other LGUs.