The Philippines is on track to have the best emergency response system in Asia once its next-generation 911 system is fully rolled out nationwide.
The country has consistently ranked as the most disaster-prone nation in the world, topping the World Risk Index from 2009 to 2024 due to frequent typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and other natural hazards. Daily emergencies such as road accidents, medical incidents, theft, and domestic disturbances add to the challenges faced by local government units (LGUs).
Yet most LGUs still use different emergency hotline numbers, making it difficult for citizens to know who to call during crises.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) initiated a unified national 911 emergency system powered by next-generation technology to address this. In August 2024, the DILG launched the Revitalized 911 program starting with the Philippine National Police (PNP). Since then, response time has improved to just 3 to 5 minutes, with 90% of calls answered within two rings.
During the League of Provinces of the Philippines General Assembly in February, local leaders were called on to support the implementation of the new 911 system for faster and more effective emergency services.
Seven LGUs—including Morong, Rizal; Alaminos City, Pangasinan; Cebu City; Cagayan de Oro City; and Mambajao, Camiguin—have already adopted the next-gen 911 system. This system, developed by NGA 911 Philippines (a subsidiary of US-based NGA 911 LLC), is fully digital and IP-based. It routes emergency calls directly to LGU command centers and includes advanced features such as real-time dashboards and automated ticketing to speed up response times.
“But there are more enhancements to look forward to in the coming months,” said Robert Llaguno, country head of NGA 911 Philippines. “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 are improvements that will provide useful data to boost public safety.”
Llaguno emphasized that these features will make the Philippines a leader in next-generation emergency response in Asia. It is currently the first Southeast Asian nation to deploy the same advanced 911 technology used in the US and Europe, with support from partners like PLDT Global.
Check out this NGA 911 Philippines video highlights:
“The next-gen technology allows for seamless communication and data sharing between different public safety agencies so they can have a coordinated response to emergencies. The new technology is interoperable. It can let different agencies and LGUs communicate and share information effectively,” Llaguno said.
He also highlighted how location-based routing speeds up service delivery and how real-time video from callers gives responders critical information before arriving at the scene.
“All told, NG911 makes emergency response highly adaptable and reliable. It is better equipped to handle emergencies, including natural disasters and mass casualty events,” said Llaguno.
“Once a full next-gen, unified national emergency response system is in place and running at full capacity, the Philippines will be one of the best, if not the best, in terms of emergency preparedness and response in Southeast Asia,” Llaguno concluded.
Let’s help spread awareness about this life-saving technology.
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