“The increasing availability of new technology and digital infrastructure inspired us to harness the power of that technology to modernize our emergency services characterized by a more efficient, tech-based system that could offer quicker response times, better resource allocation, and seamless coordination between different agencies. As a top tourist destination, the safety and well-being of visitors is paramount. Having an advanced emergency response center adds to Mambajao's appeal as a safe and secure destination, thus contributing to its economic growth by boosting tourism and investor confidence. The municipality took cues from national and international cities that have successfully implemented 911 systems. The proven success of these systems in saving lives and managing emergencies more effectively became the driving force behind the decision to develop Mambajao's own center. A model of excellence in disaster preparedness and emergency response, where every citizen feels safe and secure, knowing that the community is equipped to handle any crisis. We envision a Mambajao that is not only resilient in the face of natural disasters but also proactive, utilizing cutting-edge technology to predict, prepare for, and mitigate risks before they escalate. A state-of-the-art emergency response center would be the heart of this vision, seamlessly integrating services across medical, fire, police, and rescue departments to provide swift and coordinated action. Every barangay would have trained volunteers, supported by a robust communication network that ensures rapid dissemination of information and resources. Whether it's a typhoon, volcanic activity, a health crisis, or daily emergencies like accidents, Mambajao would be known for its efficiency and readiness to respond. This dream encompasses not just survival but the protection of lives, livelihoods, and the continued growth of the municipality as a safe and thriving community.” ~Mayor Yñigo Jesus (Yggy) Romualdo, Camiguin Island
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| Mambajao Command Center Personnel and Responders |
Camiguin Island, one of the country's most popular tourist destinations, is taking significant steps to ensure its safety, resilience, and world-class emergency response and disaster preparedness.
Mambajao, the provincial capital, has established its own next-generation advanced 911 emergency response center, which will provide citizens and tourists with modern, efficient emergency services for public safety and disaster preparedness.
The Mambajao local government unit has partnered with NGA 911, a global leader in next-generation emergency response systems that are currently in use in the United States, to provide advanced solutions that integrate communication technologies to improve emergency services.
On Friday, October 18, the third-class municipality established its cutting-edge, first-ever emergency response command center on the friendly island filled with natural wonders such as volcanoes, lagoons, lakes, springs, waterfalls, beaches, and picturesque seascapes.
Mambajao officials, led by Mayor Yñigo Jesus (Yggy) Romualdo, recognized the need for a centralized, advanced emergency response system to provide real-time coordination and quick action during disasters, minimizing loss of life and property.
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| Mambajao Mayot Yggy Romualdo |
The thriving tourist destination faces an increasing demand for responsive and dependable emergency services to ensure the safety of residents and visitors. This became the primary motivation for establishing a 911 system capable of responding quickly to medical, fire, police, and rescue emergencies, similar to those used in the United States and Europe.
Mayor Romualdo, noted that existing emergency services were limited or fragmented, so local leaders invested in a next-generation 911 center that could centralize response efforts and improve service delivery across multiple sectors like healthcare, fire response, and public safety.
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| Mambajao DRRMO Operation Center |
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| Mambajao 911 Command Center |
He explained that as tourism grew in Mambajao, they expected an increase in emergencies, ranging from accidents at popular destinations such as beaches, diving spots, and hiking trails to health emergency responses caused by new viruses and other public health crises. Fires and road accidents, particularly those involving public and tourist transportation, prompted officials to consider implementing an integrated response system capable of dispatching emergency services more quickly and accurately.
These motivations are part of a larger vision to position the municipality as a forward-thinking, resilient, and safe community that values the well-being of its residents and visitors.
“We are proud and happy to partner with the Mambajao LGU in bringing Next Generation 911 technology of the United States to this island tourist destination. NGA's unique emergency location features, coupled with our IoT capabilities, provides the CDRRMO exceptional situational awareness information that will protect the lives of locals, tourists and responders alike. We are happy to play a role in boosting tourism in this beautiful part of our country.” ~Robert Llaguno, Country Head of NGA Philippines
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| Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the Mambajao 911 Command Center |
Robert Llaguno, Country Head of NGA Philippines, promised that once Mambajao's next-generation advanced 911 system is operational, all 911 calls to the Mambajao DRRM Command Center will be fully recorded, with seamless call and call transfer capabilities. When someone calls 911, their location is immediately known, and the search radius is pinpointed with 90% accuracy.
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