CEBU CITY — The first 911 Regional Command Center in the Visayas officially opened in Cebu City on Saturday, bringing faster emergency response and real-time coordination to the region.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Sunday that the center fulfills the first promise he made to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.—to deliver a unified 911 system using next-generation technology, ensuring no Filipino is left behind during emergencies, a year after he took office.

“Today, we have one number: 911. It's not just about the number. It is about being Filipino. Being Filipino means we all respect each other. We respect each other enough that the service in Manila, that the service in Cavite is the same as the service here in Cebu, in Bohol, and in Mindanao,” Remulla said.

He added that for an archipelago with over 100 dialects, the Cebu 911 center enables people from Cebu, Bohol, and nearby provinces to speak with Visayan-speaking operators, a service that respects local language, culture, and traditions.

“For the Philippines, being an archipelago of 100-plus languages, we must respect each other. Despite our differences in politics or other matters, we are Filipinos. And the service must come as one,” he said.

The Cebu 911 center integrates fire, medical, and rescue services under one unified system, aligning the region with global standards for rapid, coordinated, and effective crisis response.

It uses next-generation advanced (NGA) technology, including call handling and system capabilities that pinpoint the exact location of callers and first responders. The center also features an incident management system, consolidated communication channels, Active Directory integration, and automated report generation.

Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Fire Chief Director Jesus P. Fernandez pledged full integration of the BFP with the Philippine National Police (PNP), DILG, and local government units, and committed support for public information campaigns to ensure responsible 911 use.

PNP Chief Jose Melencio Corpuz Nartatez Jr. confirmed police readiness with vehicles and equipment, including body-worn cameras, to improve emergency response.

Cebu Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro expressed gratitude to the President and Remulla, noting that the center ensures clear communication, faster response, and stronger coordination among frontliners, local governments, and residents.

Also present at the inauguration were DILG Undersecretaries Serafin P. Barretto Jr., Jon Paulo V. Salvahan, and Marlo L. Iringan; DILG Region VII Director Leocadio T. Trovela; DILG Cebu Provincial Director Jesus Robel T. Sastrillo; BFP VII Regional Director Chief Supt. Fred Trajeras; Lapu-Lapu Congressman Junard Chan; Lapu-Lapu Mayor Maria Cynthia King-Chan; Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival; and Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Ouano.

The 911 Regional Command Center in Cebu fulfills the President’s vision for a safer, more connected Philippines, made possible through collaboration with PLDT Inc., Next Generation Advanced (NGA 911), Next Generation Core Services (NGCS), and e-PLDT.