The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), in partnership with NGA 911 and PLDT, has inaugurated the country’s second regional hub for the Unified 911 emergency response system, expanding nationwide access to fast, reliable, and inclusive emergency services.
The Visayas Regional Hub, officially launched on October 25 at the PLDT Smart Experience Hub along Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City, serves as the counterpart to the National Command Center (NCC) in Manila, which opened last September 11.
A permanent facility will later rise at the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) headquarters in Lapu-Lapu City.
DILG secretary Jonvic Remulla led the launch, highlighting the government’s goal of building a fully integrated emergency response system across the country.
The Cebu hub is the second of eight planned regional and satellite centers under the Unified 911 national rollout.
The system — powered by NGA 911’s next-generation emergency communications technology and supported by PLDT and ePLDT’s network infrastructure — allows citizens to reach police, fire, medical, and disaster response units through a single number: 911.
The 24/7 service can handle distress calls in Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, and other local languages. Trained call takers are equipped to respond within minutes, using features such as GPS-based caller location, live video streaming, real-time CCTV integration, and centralized data reporting.
The Cebu hub is fully operational with 20 workstations using NGA 911’s patented call-handling system. It mirrors the technology used in US Next Generation 911 systems, including geo-fencing tools and digital mapping to improve response coordination.
“This launch marks a national milestone,” said Robert Llaguno, NGA 911 Philippines country head. “The Visayas Regional Hub brings world-class emergency response closer to Filipinos and ensures that help is accessible regardless of location or language.”
Remulla reiterated that the modernization effort goes beyond infrastructure.
“This is not just about technology — it’s about saving lives,” he said. “With the BFP, DILG, PLDT, and NGA working together, we are building a future where no Filipino is left without help when it matters most.”
