MAMBAJAO, Camiguin (PIA) — As the province prepares for an influx of tourists this summer, the municipality of Mambajao has taken a crucial step to enhance public safety by activating its 911 emergency hotline.
This development ensures that both residents and visitors can quickly access emergency assistance whenever needed.
Mambajao officially launched its 911 hotline at the Mambajao Operation Center in Lakas Poblacion, led by Mayor Yñigo Jesus Romualdo and Rep. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo, February 27.
With the new system in place, 911 calls from Mambajao are now directly routed to the emergency response command center. Advanced data dashboards allow responders to visualize crucial information, aiding in faster decision-making.
Additionally, the command center has introduced an automated incident ticketing system designed to streamline workflows, reduce errors, and significantly improve response times.
More enhancements to the next-generation emergency system are expected in the coming months. These include caller location tracking, the ability to send photos and videos through the system, integration with CCTV networks, and auto transcription that converts live or recorded audio into text. These improvements will offer useful data to boost public safety.
“Finally, we have this next-generation advanced 911 system for emergency response and assistance. It’s really here, and it’s really happening. Our plan for the municipality is turning into reality, one by one,” said Mayor Romualdo.
Mambajao started its journey toward an advanced 911 system in October 2024 when it established a command center equipped with state-of-the-art technology. By partnering with NGA 911 Philippines, a subsidiary of California-based NGA 911, LLC—an industry leader in Next Generation 911 (NG911) emergency communications—Mambajao became the first municipality in northern Mindanao capable of responding to distress calls with unprecedented speed.
The town now joins other local government units (LGUs) that have adopted the world-class system for emergency response, including Morong in Rizal, Alaminos City in Pangasinan, Cebu City, and Cagayan de Oro City. Navotas City in Metro Manila and Bustos, Bulacan, are set to follow soon.
During the 7th General Assembly of the League of Provinces of the Philippines, February 7, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Sec. Juanito Remulla urged local chief executives to fully support the nationwide implementation of the 911 system, emphasizing its crucial role in ensuring a faster and more efficient emergency response.
Moreover, during the joint meeting of key councils in Camiguin, March 5, Gov. Xavier Jesus Romualdo reiterated the rollout of the system, especially to the local chief executives.
“Gusto ipa-relay sa National Government sa ato is the national rollout sa 911 system. Although ang lungsod sa Mambajao nag-una naman sa 911 system, kailangan lang nato i-prepare is ang LGU side; ang lugar ug staff, I hope sila na ang magsagot,” the governor said.
(What we want to relay to the National Government is the nationwide rollout of the 911 system. Although the municipality of Mambajao is already ahead in implementing the 911 system, we still need to prepare the LGU side, the facilities, and the staff. I hope they will take care of the funding.)
Reinforcing this call, Raquel Ranara, Mambajao Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) officer, said Mambajao pushed for the operation of the system in the province because since its activation, response times have significantly improved, with emergency calls now being addressed within 3 to 7 minutes. Most of these calls involve medical emergencies and vehicular accidents.
“With the advanced emergency response system in place, island guests and residents can feel secure in Mambajao this summer, knowing that wherever emergencies may happen, they can be provided assistance in just a few minutes,” said Raquel Ranara, Mambajao Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) officer.
NGA 911 Philippines Country Head Robert Llaguno highlighted the system’s precision, explaining that upon full implementation, caller locations will be pinpointed within a five-yard radius with 90 percent accuracy.
“NGA technology can ingress various types of available systems or applications and integrate them with the local government’s CCTV systems. This will provide frontliners and first responders with enhanced location and situational awareness. We can also integrate with instant messaging applications and provide an omnichannel queue,” Llaguno said.
E911 National Office Executive Director Francis Fajardo added that the cutting-edge command centers for emergency response are staffed with highly trained personnel, ensuring that crises and emergencies are handled with professionalism and efficiency.
With these advancements, Fajardo said Mambajao is set to become a model municipality for emergency response in northern Mindanao, ensuring safety and security for both locals and tourists alike. (LGU Mambajao/PIA-10/Camiguin)
