Wazzup Pilipinas!?
As the summer season approaches and the breathtaking island of Camiguin prepares to welcome an influx of tourists, the Municipality of Mambajao is stepping up in a big way. With its newly activated next-generation 911 emergency response system, Mambajao is not just ensuring safety—it is setting a new benchmark for public safety in Northern Mindanao.
On February 27, 2025, Mambajao became the first municipality in Northern Mindanao to implement a world-class, next-generation 911 system, significantly enhancing emergency response capabilities. The activation of this cutting-edge system marks a milestone not only for the island province but also for the future of public safety across the country.
A Game-Changer for Public Safety
This next-generation 911-enabled command center is a technological leap forward. It is equipped with advanced features, including real-time location tracking, automated incident ticketing, and seamless emergency call routing. Gone are the days of delayed response—now, when a distress call is made, it is immediately picked up by responders within seconds, and help arrives in as little as three to five minutes.
According to Mambajao Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (DRRMO) Raquel Ranara, emergency calls in the municipality have significantly reduced response times, making life-saving interventions more efficient than ever before.
"Wherever emergencies may happen in Mambajao, island guests and residents can feel secure knowing that help is only minutes away," she assured.
A Vision Turned Reality
Mayor Yñigo Jesus Romualdo, who led the activation ceremony alongside Congressman Jurdin Jesus Romualdo, expressed his pride and optimism in seeing this visionary project come to life.
"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," the mayor declared.
Mambajao began its journey toward a smarter, more efficient emergency response system in October 2024, when it established a state-of-the-art command center in partnership with NGA 911 Philippines, the local subsidiary of NGA 911, LLC, a global leader in emergency communication technology headquartered in California, USA.
This partnership has placed Mambajao in an elite league of municipalities across the country that have adopted the world-class Next Generation 911 (NG911) system, joining Morong, Rizal; Alaminos City, Pangasinan; Cebu City; Cagayan de Oro City; Navotas City; and Bustos, Bulacan in pioneering this transformation.
Innovative Features to Elevate Emergency Response
The Mambajao 911 command center is already streamlining emergency workflows through an automated incident ticketing system, ensuring swift coordination and minimizing errors. However, this is just the beginning. Over the next few months, even more advanced features will be integrated, including:
Caller’s precise location tracking – Narrowing the search radius to just five yards with 90% accuracy, allowing responders to pinpoint emergencies faster.
Real-time photo and video transmission – Enabling callers to send visual evidence for more accurate situational assessments.
CCTV interoperability – Seamlessly integrating surveillance systems to enhance monitoring and response.
Auto-transcription technology – Converting live and recorded audio into text within minutes for better documentation and analysis.
According to Robert Llaguno, Country Head of NGA 911 Philippines, the system is designed to provide an omnichannel emergency response that integrates various technologies, including instant messaging applications and local government CCTV systems.
"This means we can provide first responders with enhanced location and situational awareness, ensuring they have all the necessary information at their fingertips," Llaguno explained.
National Support for Faster Emergency Response
The push for next-gen 911 technology is in line with the national government’s efforts to modernize emergency services across the Philippines. During the 7th General Assembly of the League of Provinces of the Philippines on February 7, 2025, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito “Jonvic” Remulla urged local government executives to fully support the implementation of the 911 system.
The E911 National Office, through Executive Director Francis Fajardo, also emphasized that state-of-the-art emergency response command centers are essential in providing swift, professional, and accurate crisis management.
"Cutting-edge emergency response systems are only as good as the well-trained and dedicated personnel behind them. Mambajao’s responders are now equipped with the best tools to handle emergencies with precision," Fajardo remarked.
Ensuring a Safe and Enjoyable Summer for All
With thousands of tourists expected to visit Camiguin’s famed white-sand beaches, hot and cold springs, and historic volcanoes in the coming months, Mambajao’s next-gen 911 system ensures that safety remains a top priority.
As a tourist-favorite destination, Mambajao understands that rapid emergency response can mean the difference between life and death. Whether it’s a medical emergency, vehicular accident, or a distress call from an adventure-seeker exploring the island’s rugged landscapes, help will now arrive faster than ever before.
This is not just an upgrade—it is a transformation in public safety, bringing peace of mind to both residents and visitors.
"Mambajao is more than just a beautiful destination; it is now a beacon of safety, security, and innovation," Mayor Romualdo affirmed.
As the island readies itself for the peak of the summer season, one thing is certain: Mambajao is not just welcoming tourists—it is protecting them like never before.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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