Albay backs Marcos’ call for unified disaster response

By Sally Atento-Altea

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay --- Residents of Albay have shown their support for the launch of the unified 911 emergency response system, which was announced by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla during his recent visit to the province.

During his visit, Remulla said that the nationwide rollout of the unified 911 system is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directives from his 4th State of the Nation Address (SONA).

This initiative emphasizes the importance of unified and sustained disaster preparedness and response.

“Sa ating mga kababayan, hindi magtatagumpay ang anumang paghahanda natin kung wala ang tulong po ninyo. Hiling din namin ang inyong kooperasyon, inyong disiplina, pagmamatyag, at bayanihan bilang responsableng mamamayan,” Marcos said.

The new unified 911 system offers location-based support for regional languages, allowing callers to report emergencies in their native dialects. Albay is one of the areas being integrated into this system.

“The unified 911 system in the country will be launched this year. It will be answered in local dialect. Of course, Albay is part of that,” Remulla said.

Albay Governor Noel Rosal has committed his support by investing in disaster preparedness.

“We need to invest especially in equipment for the quick response team. The DILG will create a localized 911 system wherein the language is not only Tagalog but also the local dialect,” he said.

“For example, in Legazpi, the Legazpi dialect will be used to ensure better understanding,” he added.

Upskilling preparedness

Mirabel, a 42-year-old government employee, views the president’s directive as an opportunity for capacity building.

“It’s good that President Marcos mentioned during his SONA the directive to unify and strengthen disaster response and preparedness.

“Due to Albay’s topography and geographic location, disasters and emergencies are unavoidable. “With the national 911 system, we also have training programs that can further enhance the skills of our implementers and responders,” she stated.

Deib Sulit, a 24-year-old employee from Camalig, Albay, expressed his support for the program, hoping it will improve the disaster response capabilities of local agencies and encourage community participation to protect lives and property.

“As an Albayano, I am happy to be part of the launching of this program because it can help for faster and more efficient emergency response, especially during disasters. I support this program and I am hoping that it will make our communities safer for all,” he said.

Quicker response

Catherine Madraso of Daraga hopes for a faster response during emergencies.

“Perhaps response to emergency calls will be faster, especially with better collaboration among agencies that will provide assistance,” she said.

For Franelly Agonos from Legazpi City, the unified 911 system is crucial, especially with the use of local dialects.

“For me, the unified 911 response program is very important, especially since it will use the local dialect. If there are disasters, every second matters, so it’s a big help if the information is clear and understood by the public,” Agonos added. (Raiza Lucido contributed to this report/PIA5/Albay)