The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is extending its support to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for a new initiative named ‘Unified 911,’ which is set to launch this month.
On Wednesday, September 3, MMDA Chairman Romando Artes and DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla convened a meeting with officials and representatives from various local government units to discuss the Unified BFP-Emergency 911 and CCTV System Integration.
During the meeting, the officials addressed the upcoming launch of the unified 911 system, tentatively scheduled for September 15.
Under this system, authorities have assured that 911 calls will be centralized, directing them straight to the call center of the National Command Center, with information promptly relayed to the appropriate agency for swift action and response.
Artes said the objective of this system is to enhance the coordination among emergency responders and to bolster the security and safety of the public, not only in urban settings but also in remote areas.
The proposed establishment of a building for the National Command Center, which will function as a centralized office for local government units and various agencies to coordinate and respond to crises and emergencies, was also a topic of discussion during the meeting.
Remulla committed to a quicker and more accessible emergency response with the implementation of the Unified 911 system nationwide.
He mentioned that the system ensures a five-minute response time from key agencies, including the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
Remulla said the DILG acts as the primary emergency response department in the country, coordinating police, fire, and other units across the nation.
A significant aspect of the new unified 911 system is its support for regional languages, enabling callers to report emergencies in their native dialects.
“We take the sensitivities into account. We ensure that in every household, the most effective way to communicate is through your native language, your mother tongue.”
