The Municipality of Bustos, Bulacan has launched its Emergency 911 Command Center, bringing the country a step closer to a unified nationwide emergency response system.
Bustos is the first local government unit in Region 3 to adopt the advanced emergency response technology similar to systems used in the United States and Europe.
Mayor Francis Albert Juan led the inauguration on Monday, April 21.
National E911 Office Executive Director Francis Fajardo praised the initiative, saying it will significantly improve emergency response in the area.
The command center is staffed by trained call handlers and 911 operators working 24/7. It uses high-tech tools that can pinpoint a caller’s location, block prank calls, and dispatch help quickly and efficiently.
Fajardo said the system can respond to emergencies quickly and accurately by identifying the exact location and identity of the caller.
It integrates smoothly with other communication systems, handles multiple calls at once, and ensures rapid on-ground response.
He commended Mayor Juan for making public safety a priority.
“Young local officials like Mayor Juan are forward-looking and always open to innovation,” he said.
He added that the move by the Bustos LGU to establish a modern emergency system supports the national government’s call for LGUs to adopt advanced technologies.
“They will provide a lifeline to all Filipinos.”
The project is also in line with the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) push for a nationwide 911 system, spearheaded by Secretary Johnvic Remulla.
Bustos is among the first LGUs to respond to the directive.
The mayor also shared that building a 911 center had been his dream since his time as a barangay captain.
“This has been my dream even as a barangay captain – to render good and efficient public service to the citizens of Bustos, to protect and serve constituents, and to offer hope to our town. Now that we have this (cutting edge) system in place, once you’re in Bustos, just dial 911 and we will take care of your emergency, be it fire, crime, petty crimes, or vehicular accidents, I know we will respond fast. We are the first to do this in Bulacan and the whole of Region 3, by the way,” he said.
He noted that vehicular accidents are the most common reason for emergency calls—similar to trends in other towns and national data.
The national government, under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., continues to push for stronger disaster preparedness and encourages LGUs to adopt science-based solutions for emergency response.