As the Philippines and its neighbors face 21st-century challenges of climate change-worsened calamities, deadly viruses, and daily threats to peace and order, faster, smarter, and more accurate emergency response is a must.
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) through Secretary Benjamin Abalos and its National E911 Office led by Executive Director Francis are meeting the challenge head-on with a National Summit on Emergency Response last August 14, 2024, at the EDSA Shangri-La Plaza Manila.
Among the key issues tackled at the Summit is the need for the country to revitalize its emergency response system, which is at the core of providing public safety to citizens, Executive Director Fajardo said.
“We are in an age where problems and risks have become more complex and we have to respond faster, smarter, and more efficiently. We need to move with the times, recognize the role played by gadgets and modern communication platforms, and invest in modern tools and services that weren’t there before. Now and in the future, our goal is to serve our communities and look out for the safety of citizens so we need new solutions to be responsive and relevant,” Fajardo added.
The summit tackled the modern perils citizens face in the age of AI, data analytics, and automation and the importance of emergency management. Concerns about safety and survival in the light of disasters, cyberattacks, terrorism, daily incidents of crime, child abuse, violence against women and their children, accidents, thefts, and health emergencies were discussed.
The Summit also examined the International Disaster Response Network and how it can help with safety, security, and survival in the New Normal. It explained the roles web services such as Amazon and Google played in ensuring effective emergency response and emphasized telcos’ duty to provide uninterrupted communication during emergencies.
Executive Director Fajardo has facilitated an arrangement where the Philippine National Police can get a feel of harnessing next-generation, advanced 911 for its emergency response operations. It has requested NGA 911, the global innovator of emergency calling technology and leader in next-generation emergency communications worldwide, to allow the PNP to try out its state-of-the-art 911 call handling system that is used in the United States and Europe. It enhances emergency number services by creating a faster, more resilient system that allows digital information like voice, photos, videos, and text messages to flow seamlessly from the public through the 911 network and onto first responders. PLDT will ensure that there is an available flow of communication during emergencies.
“By knowing and using the right tools and technologies, local governments can be better prepared and ready to respond to emergencies more efficiently. A fast, accurate, and resilient emergency response system will minimize disruptions in citizens’ lives and give Filipinos the peace of mind they deserve. Investing in advanced technologies is a must if we are to improve our emergency preparedness and make our responses faster and more effective,” Fajardo said.
The summit included government officials, representatives from the country’s emergency response agencies, and service providers.
The local emergency response landscape with cutting-edge technology in place and used on a wide scale was reimagined at the Summit.