As the Philippines and its neighbors face 21st century challenges of climate change-worsened calamities, deadly viruses and daily threats to peace and order, the need for faster, smarter and more accurate emergency response is a must.

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) through Secretary Benjamin Abalos and its National E911 Office led by Executive Director Francis Fajardo are meeting the challenge head-on with a National Summit on Emergency Response to be held on August 14, 2024 at the Edsa Shangri-La, Manila.

Among the key issues to be tackled at the Summit is the need for the country to revitalize its emergency response system, which is at the core of providing public safety to citizens, Executive Director Fajardo said.

“We are in an age where problems and risks have become more complex and we have to respond faster, smarter and more efficiently. We need to move with the times, recognize the role played by gadgets and modern communication platforms and invest in modern tools and services that weren’t there before. Now and in the future, our goal is to serve our communities and look out for the safety of citizens so we need new solutions to be responsive and relevant,” Fajardo added.

Topics to be tackled at the Summit are the modern perils faced by citizens in the age of AI, data analytics and automation and the importance of emergency management. Concerns about safety and survival in the light of disasters, cyberattacks, terrorism and daily incidents of crime, child abuse, violence against women and their children, accidents, thefts and health emergencies will be discussed.

The Summit will also take a closer look at the International Disaster Response Network and how it can help with safety, security and survival in the New Normal. The roles played by web services such as Amazon and Google in ensuring effective emergency response will be explained, as well as telcos’ duty to provide uninterrupted communication during emergencies will be emphasized.

Executive Director Fajardo has facilitated an arrangement where the Philippine National Police can get a feel of harnessing the next generation, advanced 911 for its emergency response operations. It has requested NGA 911, the global innovator of the emergency calling technology and leader in next generation emergency communications worldwide, to allow the PNP to try out its state-of-the-art 911 call handling system that is used in the United States and Europe. It enhances emergency number services by creating a faster, more resilient system that allows digital information like voice, photos, videos and text messages to flow seamlessly from the public through the 911 network and onto first responders. PLDT will ensure that there is an available flow of communication during emergencies.

“By knowing and using the right tools and technologies, local governments can be better prepared and ready to respond to emergencies more efficiently. A fast, accurate and resilient emergency response system will minimize disruptions in citizens’ lives and give Filipinos the peace of mind they deserve. Investing in advanced technologies is a must if we are to improve our emergency preparedness and make our responses faster and more effective,” Fajardo said.

Government officials, representatives from the country’s emergency response agencies and service providers are expected to take part in the Summit.

The local emergency response landscape will be re-imagined with cutting edge technology in place and used on a wide scale at the Summit.