PLDT, DILG, and BFP fire up modernized emergency response system

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), in partnership with PLDT Inc. (PLDT), through its corporate business arm PLDT Enterprise and ICT subsidiary ePLDT, Next Generation Advanced (NGA), and Next Generation Core Services (NGCS Inc.) launched the Unified 911 system which vastly improves all existing 911 call handling and response capabilities, to ensure that help is only one quick call away for every Filipino.

The system launch at PLDT’s Sampaloc office in Manila was led by DILG Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla, BFP Chief Dir. Jesus Fernandez, Acting PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr., PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan, and NGA 911 Co-Founder and CEO Don Ferguson.

The Unified 911 system integrates police, fire, medical, and rescue services into a centralized, technology-enabled platform linking national agencies with LGUs. Upon launch, it features multiple reporting channels and platforms, live video streaming, and centralized data reporting, hosted on ePLDT’s Pilipinas Cloud. Among others, it will also feature GPS-based location tracking of callers and responders, geo-fencing, and integration of national and local agencies' CCTV systems.

Secretary Remulla emphasized however, that, “This is more than technology. This is about saving lives. With the BFP leading the implementation, supported by the DILG, PLDT, and NGA, we are building a future where no Filipino is left without help when it matters most.”

BFP Chief Fernandez added, “Unified 911 will allow first responders to act faster, smarter, and with greater coordination. This is a major step in protecting lives and property.”

"At its core, this is a promise made by government to its citizens," Pangilinan said. "That in times of danger, Filipinos can call one number, and find assistance and help. When lives are on the line, every second matters—and when lives are at stake, our sacred duty to our people crystallizes. In partnership with Government and NGA 911, we are laying down the foundation for a safer and more resilient Philippines.

Building on this message, PLDT Chief Operating Officer Menardo G. Jimenez highlighted how the initiative demonstrates the power of digital infrastructure to elevate public service. “By collaborating with the government, which includes our active engagement with the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), PLDT is shaping a future where technology drives smarter governance, faster response, and stronger communities.”

To reduce language barriers between callers and telecommunicators, the unified system shall be established in several strategic areas, particularly the National Command Center, the BFP Command Monitoring Center, major regional hubs in Cebu and Cagayan de Oro, and seven (7) satellite centers.

These efforts support the government’s mission to build resilient communities and protect lives through technology. They also align with PLDT’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), by promoting disaster risk reduction through robust digital infrastructure and capacity-building programs.
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Beyond the Unified 911 System, PLDT provides training to strengthen emergency communications during disasters, deploys its Ligtas Kits for instant connectivity, supports early warning platforms like Infocast, and delivers emergency communication services to affected communities.