Bustos is first Region 3 LGU with 911 response system

THE municipality of Bustos in Bulacan is the first local government unit (LGU) in Region 3 (Central Luzon) to implement a high technology public safety communication system, mirroring those used in the United States and Europe.

Mayor Francis Albert Juan launched the state-of-the-art command center on April 21, saying that this innovative system is expected to set a new standard for emergency services for the residents of Bustos.

National E911 office executive director Francis Fajardo praised the move, describing it as a "godsend" for the municipality and the entire region, highlighting its potential to significantly enhance public safety and emergency response capabilities.

The Bustos Command Center is manned by call handlers trained by the National E911 office and 911 operators working 24/7 using sophisticated monitoring systems and emergency dispatch tools.

Fajardo said the cutting-edge system can quickly, efficiently and accurately respond to emergency calls because it can pinpoint the precise location and identity of the caller, among other things.

"It integrates seamlessly with other communication systems, identifies and eliminates prank callers, monitors and responds to all calls simultaneously and ensures quick response on the scene of the emergency," he said.

Fajardo also praised the mayor's initiative in prioritizing public safety for his locality, thus giving Bustos an emergency response command center that is at par with emergency communication systems used in developed countries around the world.

"Young local officials like Mayor Juan are forward-looking and always open to innovation," said Fajardo. "They will provide a lifeline to all Filipinos."

Juan said vehicular accidents are the most frequent reason for emergency calls, a statistic shared by Bustos with other LGUs and compatible with data from the Department of Transportation.

"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 offer hope to our town," the mayor said.

"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 in the whole of Region 3, by the way."