911 HOTLINE IN CEBU CITY? WHY NOT? CHECK OUT A8 FOR DETAILS
45 smart SOS dispatch service units will be used by the system, which will be managed by PLDT Inc.
Starting next year, the Cebu City Government will set up a centralized emergency response hotline using 911. At least 45 smart SOS dispatch service units will be used by the system. Another 70 units of CCTV will be installed in the city. The 911 system will cater all services like ambulances, Bureau of Fire and Protection, Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation, among others. The City will spend P15 million for next year’s operation. PLDT is targeting to deliver the units early next month so that the system can be used during the Sinulog celebrations. The hotline can be reached through mobile phones and all types of telecommunication networks for free.
Residents of Cebu City can expect an improved emergency response service from the City Government starting next year.
City Hall is set to put up a centralized emergency response hotline using 911 by January.
At least 45 smart SOS dispatch service units will be used by the system, which will be managed by PLDT Inc. Seventy units of closed-circuit television cameras will also be installed in the city.
The City will spend P15 million for next year’s operation. Nagiel Bañacia, head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, said the amount will be taken from the disaster funds in the approved 2018 annual budget.
In an interview, PLDT digital engagement solutions expert Michael Eparwa said they are targeting to deliver the units early next month so these can be used during the Sinulog celebrations.
The 911 system will alert responders such as the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation, among others.
The hotline can be reached through mobile phones and all types of telecommunication companies for free.
“What happens is that once the caller calls 911, the dispatch system that is being seen in the command center will be able to pinpoint how many minutes will the responder get to the victim or the one who reported via GPS (global positioning system),” Eparwa said.
“City hall will also review how fast we can respond to incidents. We will also be able to review in our analytics what are the areas that are prone to fire, other kinds of crimes,” he said.
Eparwa said other local government units in Luzon have already subscribed to the emergency response system.
During calamities, the system will remain functional despite cellular signal interruption as it can also communicate through a two-way radio frequency.
In an interview, Bañacia said they have already coordinated with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office on the matter.
“If there are calls related to their locality, we’ll just past it to them. Our more of procurement here is subscription, meaning PLDT will provide the equipment and maintenance while we handle the responding personnel,” he said.
Bañacia said a command control center for the system has already been identified, but it’s location remains confidential to the public.
Mayor Tomas Osmeña, for his part, said the system will help the City expand its rescue management operations/
We will be able to review in our analytics what are the areas that are prone to fire. MICHAEL EPARWA PLDT digital engagement solutions expert