Unified emergency hotline system can boost PH tourism, trade — US firm
Screengrabbed from NGA911.com
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has the chance to get a big boost of investments and tourist inflow should the government adopt a unified emergency hotline system as this would boost public confidence, a United States (US)-based company said on Monday.
In a statement, NGA 911 LLC chief executive officer and co-founder Don Ferguson said that the country can be a model of effective emergency response — an aspect which tourists look for when traveling to other countries.
“With a modern infrastructure in place, the country will attract more investment and tourism. Ultimately, the Philippines will be recognized not just for its beauty and culture, but for its leadership in innovation and commitment to saving lives,” Ferguson said.
READ: Marcos orders DILG to shift funds to integrated 911 system
“Tourists are more likely to visit regions with dependable emergency services, which boosts local economic growth. Centralized data enables better governance through increased transparency, accountability, and performance monitoring. This transformation also creates jobs and drives innovation in tech and public safety sectors. Overall, it strengthens and enhances the Philippines’ global reputation as a resilient and well-managed nation,” he added.
911 Emergency Call
According to NGA 911, the modern style of emergency response has already been adopted by different local government units (LGUs) like Morong in Rizal, Alaminos City in Pangasinan, Cebu City, Cagayan de Oro City, Mambajao in Camiguin Island, Bustos in Bulacan and Tagbilaran City in Bohol.
“Command centers in these areas now use advanced technologies like IP-based networks and multimedia capabilities that have improved emergency response efficiency and effectiveness, so distress calls can be answered and attended to on-site in just 3 to 5 minutes,” NGA 911 said.
“The new technology also enables more robust and flexible communication between emergency callers and dispatch centers and allows transmission of multimedia data like text, photos and video. Prank callers can be identified and eliminated from the conversation,” it added.
Furthermore, NGA 911 said that the LGUs can now have better coordination with the advanced system.
“This is due to the advanced technology’s precise geolocation and real-time data. Citizens will also be able to send texts, photos, and videos that will give responders critical information before they arrive on the scene. LGUs are able to coordinate more effectively, especially during large-scale disasters where speed and clarity are essential,” the company said.
“The system enhances public trust by making emergency assistance more accessible and reliable, while also improving front-liner safety by providing better situational awareness,” it added.
Last January 15, the PNP’s Communications and Electronics Service (PNP CES) said that the revitalized 911 system has allowed them to save more lives and solve cases faster.
The revitalized 911 system was launched by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in partnership with NGA 911 last August 2024.
Under the system, the hotline first directs callers to the Emergency 911 (E911) National Office. If they avail police services, they are quickly routed to the PNP Command Center 911, which then takes the call and dispatches it to the police office with the respective jurisdiction.
Earlier this year also, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had ordered the Department of Budget and Management to restore the removed funds for the DILG’s information technology (IT) program.
Bidding process
Remulla, in a briefing at Malacañang, said that the P500 million intelligence funds lodged with agencies under the DILG will be removed and allocated to the IT budget, including the launch and bidding process of the country’s integrated 911 system.
“As instructed by the President, our budget secretary will revert the IT budget and remove the additional P500 million intelligence funds,” he said partly in Filipino.
“The 911 system is language-sensitive throughout the Philippines. So, if you’re in Ilocos, an Ilocano speaker will answer you,” he also said.
The move gained support from different sectors, including lawmakers like Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco who said that addressing cybercrime is urgent. A Social Weather Stations survey released last November 2024 showed that 7.2 percent of reported cybercrime victimization.
READ: Marcos funding upgrades for PNP’s IT system correct – Tiangco
“Every now and then you would hear complaints that someone was hacked, scammed, or was a victim of phishing. It is timely, and necessary for the police force to invest in IT programs,” he said in Filipino.
“It’s saddening though that the majority of those who call our 911 centers are prank callers. Apart from enforcing sanctions and penalties for prank callers, we need a system that deters such actions and ensures faster emergency responses,” he added. / MR
