Baguio City’s emergency response system has been significantly upgraded with the complete integration of Globe Telecom’s network into the Baguio 911 service. This development means that subscribers of Globe and Touch Mobile can now directly connect to the city’s emergency helpline, streamlining the process of getting help during crises.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong announced that this integration places Globe and Touch Mobile alongside other major telecom providers like Smart, Talk ‘N Text, and PLDT, all of which are now key contributors to the efficiency of Baguio’s emergency services. The mayor emphasized that this connection to the Baguio City Smart Command Center, located in the basement of the Cultural and Convention Center, will reduce the time it takes to process emergency calls, thereby enhancing the speed of response to public emergencies.
The Baguio 911 service, operated from the Baguio Smart City Command Center, has been a vital tool for the city since its launch on October 12, 2021. It not only connects to essential emergency services like the Baguio City Police Office and the Baguio Fire Department but also utilizes CCTV surveillance to monitor city streets.
Aileen Refuerzo, the city’s information office chief, highlighted that this integration is a pioneering move in the Philippines, as stated by Globe’s account manager Jefferson Corpuz. The integration was not a straightforward task, requiring specific adjustments from Globe to make it possible, marking a significant achievement in enhancing local emergency response capabilities.