Morong, Rizal becomes first Philippine LGU with Next-Generation Advanced 911 emergency response and public safety system

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Second class municipality Morong in Rizal Province is now the very first local government unit in the Philippines with a first-class, next generation emergency response and public safety system to respond to emergency calls and ensure the protection of its residents.

Morong Mayor Sidney Soriano, Vice Mayor Jose Fred Feliciano and other key municipal officials signed an agreement with NGA Philippines (NGA) the local subsidiary of multinational corporation NGA 911, LLC headquartered in California, USA in April last year to provide Morong with world-class and complete solutions for emergency communication and public safety services.

NGA is known globally as the innovator of emergency calling technology, and the leader in Next Generation 911 (NG911) emergency communications worldwide. The NGA NG911 system is built on the industry standards adopted by the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) in the United States and the European Emergency Number Association (EENA).

Monday, May 6, Morong local officials led by Mayor Sidney Soriano and NGA Philippines Country Head Robert Llaguno led the Go Live activation of the Morong Disaster, Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Command Center in Sitio Paglabas, Barangay San Pedro in Morong. Present at the Go Live event were Department of Interior and Local Governments Undersecretary Juan Victor Llamas, Rizal Congressman Emigdio P. Tanjuatco III, Rizal Provincial Governor Nina Ricci Ynares and Emergency 911 National Office Executive Director Francis Fajardo.

Now the local government of Morong is ready to respond accurately and efficiently to disasters, accidents, medical emergencies and other distress calls, using the NGA NG911 state of the art digital technology that can save lives and property in the fastest possible time.

“I welcome you all to the inauguration of the Morong, Rizal Emergency 911 Command Center with Next Generation Advanced technology -- the very first in the Province of Rizal, the first in the country and in Asia. It has always been our utmost desire to be able to respond to emergencies and crisis situations, effectively and efficiently so that we can provide good public service to the people. Today is the culmination of that dream,” Mayor Soriano said.

NGA Philippines Country Head Robert Llaguno said Morong’s investment in the emergency NGA911 system presently used in the United States pioneers the use of technology in the country that will revolutionize the way and speed with which the LGU can handle emergencies.

“All 911 calls to the Morong DRRM Command Center are now fully recorded and conference and transfer facilities are now seamless,” explained Llaguno. “There is more efficient dispatch and coordination, because IoT capabilities enhance situational awareness that include CCTV streams, GPS location and other early warning devices that can now be integrated to the system.”

Llaguno said the activation of 911 as Morong’s emergency number is aligned with Executive Order 56 of 2018 that institutionalized 911 as the emergency hotline and nationwide emergency answering point replacing Patrol 117.

“It will not only give Morong, Rizal a shorter 911 dialing code compared to the usual 10-digit cell number of responders. By utilizing the NGA NG911 system, the LGU will also be able to pinpoint with high accuracy the location of the emergency call and associate the same with the closest responders to provide a more immediate response.”

Personnel of the Next Generation Call Handling System of Morong will be trained by NGA and the Emergency 911 National Office. Specialized telephone equipment provided by NGA will be used by dispatchers to answer 911 calls and text messages, with the call handling equipment plotting the 911 call or text on a map and pinpointing the location of the caller or emergency. The command center runs 24/7.

The technology, used in the United States, has changed the face of emergency communications by using internet protocol (IP) technology to transmit voice, text and video messages between callers and emergency responders. It can provide real-time data on the location and condition of callers, which can help first responders make more informed decisions in emergency situations.

Other LGUs in the country have been briefed on the capabilities of the technology with some already set to follow Morong’s lead.

Doric Network to Host Developer Meetup in Makati City, Philippines

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Doric Network, a startup blockchain platform for asset tokenization, will be hosting its first Developer Meetup in Makati City, Philippines on May 25th, 2024. The event aims to bring together blockchain developers, crypto enthusiasts, investors, and key industry players to discuss the future of tokenization and Doric Network's role in shaping the new era of finance.

Doric Network has made waves in the crypto sphere with its innovative tokenization solutions that make digital asset creation accessible for all. Through its Token Creator, Wallet, and Blockchain Explorer, it has created a user-friendly ecosystem for crypto adoption.

During the event, representatives from the project will provide insightful presentations about the platform, its functionalities, and its potential applications. Attendees will also gain valuable knowledge about Doric Network's SDK and explore the exciting possibilities of building innovative applications on the Doric Network Blockchain. The meetup will also provide an environment for developers to connect, share ideas, and forge valuable connections within the Doric Network community.



Here are the things that will be covered at the event:

The benefits and real-world use cases of asset tokenization

How Doric Network enables anyone to launch tokenized assets with the Token Creator

The enhanced security, convenience, and transparency the platform provides through its Wallet and Blockchain Explorer

Integrating with the Doric Network to build next-generation DeFi and crypto applications

The roadmap for Doric Network's continued growth and mainstream adoption

Doric Network will also introduce its new Web3 Incentive Program to support and boost the projects in the Doric Blockchain Ecosystem. This program offers tangible help and rewards for projects aiming to grow and make a difference in the Web3 world.

The Doric Network Developer Meetup will take place on May 25, 2024, from 2 pm to 5 pm at the Amare La Cucina in Makati City, Philippines. Registration is free and open to all - developers looking to build on Doric Network are especially encouraged to attend. Registration is now open via: https://tinyurl.com/pbv8myfa.


For further information about Doric Network, the Developer Meetup, or any media inquiries, please contact marketing@doric.network. Stay connected with the latest developments of Doric Network in Asia by following our official channels:

Website: www.doric.network
Twitter: https://x.com/AsiaDoric
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/doric-asia/
Telegram: https://t.me/DoricAsia
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsiaDoric



About Doric Network

Doric Network launched in 2023 to spearhead the new era of decentralized finance. The project enables anyone to tokenize assets through its straightforward Token Creator, trade tokens on its secure platform, and track transactions on its public Blockchain Explorer. Doric Network aims to build a more open, connected financial future. For more information, visit doric.network.

TOFIL Laureates Unite: Climate Smart SVD’s Convergence of Peace, Resiliency, and Sustainability

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In the heart of the Philippines, two remarkable The Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL) Laureates, Fr. Benigno Beltran, SVD, and Sci. Dpl. Glenn Banaguas, have forged a partnership that epitomizes the harmonious blend of faith and science. This partnership blossomed within the sacred halls of the Christ the King Mission Seminary in Quezon City. Their collaborative initiative, “Climate Smart SVD: Convergence of Peace, Resiliency, and Sustainability,” is a testament to their shared vision of a world where ecological stewardship is integral to spiritual practice and scientific endeavor.

The partnership between Fr. Beltran and Sci. Dpl. Banaguas began with a shared concern for the environment and the well-being of future generations. Their initiative, “Climate Smart SVD,” aims to integrate scientific knowledge with spiritual values to create resilient communities that can withstand the challenges posed by climate change. This program highlights the significance of peace, resiliency, and sustainability to address societal concerns.

Peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of justice and the flourishing of creation. Fr. Beltran’s theological perspective emphasizes the intrinsic value of all life forms and the moral imperative to protect them. This ethos resonates with Sci. Dpl. Banaguas’ advocacy for science-based policy solutions that prioritize human dignity and ecological balance.

Resiliency is at the core of “Climate Smart SVD.” The initiative seeks to empower communities to adapt to climate variability and recover from environmental shocks. Fr. Beltran’s grassroots approach to community organizing complements Sci. Dpl. Banaguas’ expertise in environmental and energy management systems, creating a holistic strategy for sustainable development.

Sustainability is the long-term goal of “Climate Smart SVD.” The collaboration between Fr. Beltran and Sci. Dpl. Banaguas underscores the importance of sustainable practices that meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own. Through education, advocacy, and action, they aim to instill a culture of sustainability that transcends religious and scientific boundaries.

Fr. Benigno Beltran, SVD expressed his gratitude: “Amidst the chaos of existence, we find our purpose in connection. Sci. Dpl. Glenn Banaguas, you are a beacon—a constellation of kindness and compassion. Together, we navigate the vast expanse of uncertainty, stitching hope into the fabric of time. Our hands, weathered by storms, reach across divides, bridging hearts. For every seed we plant of love ripples outward, touching lives we may never know. And as the sun sets on our shared endeavors, may it cast shadows that dance with legacy.”

Sci. Dpl. Glenn Banaguas said: "Celebrating the fusion of intellect and compassion, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to Fr. Ben Beltran, SVD. Our partnership, a symphony of science and service, resonates with purpose. Together, we compose a score of resilience, harmony, and hope—a testament to the transformative power of collaboration. Fr. Ben Beltran, you are the compass that steers our ship through tempests of doubt. Your wisdom, a lighthouse on rocky shores, illuminates our path. And as we sail toward horizons unknown, we carry the torch of service, passing it from hand to hand, generation to generation.”

“Our partnership is more than ink on paper; it is the ink of legacy, the quill of impact. We are not just collaborators; we are custodians of a shared dream—a world where science dances with compassion, where equations yield solutions, and where the rhythm of progress echoes in the hearts of those we serve,” Banaguas added.

The “Climate Smart SVD” initiative has already made significant strides in promoting environmental consciousness within the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) and beyond. It has sparked dialogues on ecological issues, inspired community-led conservation projects, and influenced policy-making at various levels.

The partnership of Fr. Beltran and Sci. Dpl. Banaguas serves as a beacon of hope in a world grappling with environmental crises. Their work reminds us that when faith and science converge towards a common good, the potential for positive change is boundless. “Climate Smart SVD” is not just a program; it’s a movement towards a future where peace, resiliency, and sustainability are the cornerstones of our collective journey on this planet.

Fr. Benigno P. Beltran, SVD, a Filipino Catholic priest, educator, author, and social activist, has dedicated his life to uplifting marginalized communities through education and environmental advocacy. Ordained in 1973, he worked with scavengers in Manila’s Smokey Mountain garbage dump from 1978 to 2008. Beyond traditional ministry, he engaged in community organizing to mitigate climate change effects. His commitment extends to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Fr. Beltran holds a Doctorate in Theology from the Gregorian University in Rome (1985) and served as a Scholar-in-Residence at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He is an honoree of The Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL) Award.

Sci. Dpl. Glenn Banaguas, a world-renowned science diplomat, has been bestowed with the prestigious UN Sasakawa Awards for his contributions to Disaster Risk Reduction. His esteemed fellowships extend to the United Kingdom’s The Royal Society of Arts and Switzerland’s Geneva Centre for Security Policy, reflecting his global influence. He has demonstrated exemplary leadership in chairing the United States-ASEAN Science and Technology Fellows and the ASEAN Science Diplomats. In his role as a climate diplomat for the European Union-Asia Expert Panel for Climate Diplomacy and Environmental Security, he has made significant strides in addressing environmental challenges. His commendations include the Asia Leaders award for Sustainability Leadership, the Lee Kuan Yew senior fellowship in Public Service, The Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL) Laureate for Environment Conservation and Science Diplomacy, and a distinguished position among the Top 100 Asian Scientists in Sustainability.