The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has inaugurated the country’s first 911 Regional Command Center in Cebu City, marking a significant step toward building a unified emergency response network for Filipinos nationwide. The launch, held on October 25, 385 days after Secretary Jonvic Remulla took office, underscored the government’s goal of ensuring that help is just one number away, wherever one may be in the Philippines.
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A Milestone for Faster, Unified Emergency Response
The Cebu command center is the first in a series of regional hubs planned under the nationwide 911 system, designed to connect citizens to fire, medical, and police responders through a single, coordinated platform. The initiative aims to eliminate the inconsistencies in emergency assistance between regions and strengthen real-time coordination across agencies.
“This is not just about technology or infrastructure,” Remulla said during the launch. “It’s about being Filipino, making sure that the service in Manila or Cavite is the same as the service here in Cebu, in Bohol, and across Mindanao.”
Designed with the Philippines’ diverse geography and languages in mind, the center allows Visayan-speaking residents to communicate with operators fluent in local dialects. Remulla emphasized that inclusivity and understanding are key to effective public service.
“For an archipelago of more than 100 languages, respect means being understood,” the DILG chief stressed. “Despite our political or cultural differences, we must realize that we are one people and our service must reflect that.”
Technology-Driven Safety for Every Filipino
Equipped with Next Generation Advanced (NGA) technology, the Cebu hub can accurately locate callers and track emergency units in real time. It also integrates incident management, communication channels, and automated reporting systems to ensure swift and transparent response.
Bureau of Fire Protection Chief Director Jesus Fernandez expressed the agency’s commitment to fully integrate with the Philippine National Police (PNP), DILG, and local governments. He also urged the public to use the system responsibly, warning against prank calls that could disrupt genuine emergencies.
Meanwhile, PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police will strengthen the network’s capabilities with vehicle support and body-worn cameras to promote accountability and efficiency.
The DILG’s 911 Regional Command Center in Cebu marks the beginning of a nationwide transformation—one where every Filipino, regardless of language or location, can call for help and be heard.
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