Cebu City has made history by becoming the first major city in the Visayas region to adopt Next Generation 911 (NG911) emergency response technology, a system widely used in the United States and Europe. This move positions the city as a leader in emergency management innovation in the southern Philippines.
On September 30, 2024, Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Neri Garcia led the launch of the advanced emergency response system at Cebu City Hall, alongside Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Lord Villanueva, E911 National Office Executive Director Francis Fajardo, and other city officials.
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Earlier this year, Cebu City partnered with NGA 911 Philippines, a subsidiary of NGA 911, LLC based in California, USA, to implement this cutting-edge emergency response system. NGA 911 is a global leader in emergency communication technology, setting industry standards recognized by the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) and the European Emergency Number Association (EENA).
The new NG911 command center in Cebu City is equipped with advanced call-handling technology, allowing for precise caller location data, pinpointing within 18 feet at 90% accuracy. The system also enables GPS tracking of emergency responders, ensuring faster dispatch and arrival at the scene.
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“Recognizing the critical role that emergency response plays in achieving a safe and secure city, we prioritized the implementation of best-in-class 911 technology,” said Acting Mayor Garcia. “This initiative enhances the city’s resilience to natural disasters, reduces crime, and fosters a safer environment for our people.”
Cebu City’s NGA 911 system also features full recording capabilities, integrated conference and transfer functions, and advanced GPS and call routing, overcoming the limitations of traditional emergency hotlines.
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The system’s capabilities extend beyond Cebu City, as it can assist neighboring towns and cities within Cebu province. Acting Mayor Garcia encouraged other local government units to adopt similar technologies to improve emergency response times and enhance public safety across the region.
“We’re a proud partner of Cebu City, bringing in Next Generation 911 technology from the United States to our country,” said Rob Llaguno, Country Head of NGA 911 Philippines. “Our unique emergency location services and IoT capabilities provide exceptional situational awareness, ensuring public safety and saving lives.”
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