Morong, Rizal has dramatically improved its emergency response time thanks to a next-generation 911 system – the first of its kind in the Philippines.
Jerome L. Mateo, head of Morong’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Command Center, said that nearly 30% of their emergency calls involve vehicular accidents. This matches Department of Health data showing that road crashes are a top cause of death and injury in the country, especially among youth. From 2011 to 2021, road traffic deaths rose by 39% – from 7,938 to 11,096. The World Health Organization reports that one person dies in a road crash in the Philippines every 15 minutes.
But thanks to the advanced emergency response technology launched in April 2023, Morong is seeing a life-saving difference.
“Because of the next-generation advanced 911 technology, we can respond to calls in 3 to 5 minutes and are able to coordinate with multiple parties to make the rescue. We have already saved many lives because of the technology – not only for vehicular accidents but also for medical emergencies,” said call handler Roel Gutierrez.
Before the system upgrade, it took first responders 30 minutes to one hour to arrive. Now, coordination is quicker and more effective. Gutierrez shared a story about helping a woman who gave birth in the street. Responders came immediately and provided life-saving care before bringing her to a hospital.
Another caller with breathing difficulties was amazed when help arrived in just four minutes. In the past, calls were delayed due to multiple agency hand-offs. The new system allows direct and real-time communication with all needed responders.
Call handler Grayan Jay Canada recalled assisting two women trapped in a flooded car. Though they were not Morong residents, the team helped them swiftly.
Call handler Canada points out the standout features of the system:
The technology pinpoints locations in real time and enables conference calls that connect emergency callers to medical experts and other responders.
Morong was the first local government in the Philippines to adopt this U.S.-developed emergency system through a partnership with NGA 911 Philippines. The parent company, NGA 911 LLC, is a global leader in emergency communication.
Here’s how a call handler describes her experience:
Other local governments followed Morong’s lead in 2024, including:
- Alaminos City (Pangasinan)
- Cebu City
- Cagayan de Oro
- Mambajao (Camiguin)
- This April, Bustos (Bulacan) and Navotas City will also launch the system.
- Tagbilaran City (Bohol) is expected to join in 2025.
In 2024, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) called for all LGUs to support a unified 911 emergency system. This system, inspired by U.S. and European models, aims to eliminate delays caused by fragmented responses and geographic challenges.
The Philippine National Police began implementing the revitalized 911 initiative in August 2024, led by Executive Director Francis Fajardo of the E911 national office. On February 7, 2025, DILG Secretary Juanito “Jonvic” Remulla urged local leaders at the League of Provinces of the Philippines assembly to fully support the 911 system rollout for faster and more efficient emergency responses nationwide.
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