The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has introduced a new data-driven upgrade to the country’s unified 911 emergency hotline through the integration of hyperconverged analytics technology.

The system, launched last September, is now being enhanced at the Unified Emergency 911 National Command Center in Manila and its first regional hub in Cebu.

Hyperconverged analytics uses data science to merge real-time analytics with automation, helping authorities make faster, more informed decisions during emergencies.

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the single hotline simplifies and speeds up emergency response nationwide.

“The Philippines is a very complicated country that becomes even more complicated with emergency response. Today, we have one number, and that is 911. By minimizing delays and coordinating responders, the hotline gives families confidence that they are safer at home, in the streets, and in every barangay,” he said during the launch.

Emergency 911 National Office Executive Director Francis Fajardo said the upgraded system allows responders to “gain richer, real-time insights that result in faster, smarter and more effective emergency response.”

“The Unified 911’s efficiency rate now is 96.56%, compared to last year’s 48%. This is how significant the changes have been with the launch of 911 and the modernization of our system,” Fajardo said at a media briefing on 4 November.

He added that since its launch on 11 September, the National Command Center has handled more than 1.76 million calls.

Robert Llaguno, country head of NGA 911 Philippines, which developed the technology, said the system aligns with the DILG’s Revitalized 911 initiative launched in late 2024.

He explained that hyperconverged analytics integrates multiple data sources into a single intelligent platform, allowing emergency units to act based on comprehensive insights.

“We wish to take the country to next-level risk awareness. Today, we are presently doing interoperability tests with other IoT systems, such as user-generated content from social media platforms and CCTV feeds providing real-time video data on accidents, fire, flood, storm warnings and earthquakes,” Llaguno said.

The NGA 911 system, developed jointly with the DILG, aims to improve coordination among police, fire, medical, and disaster response teams.

Llaguno said the upgrade will enable responders to pinpoint exact locations, assess risk levels, and manage resources efficiently, with data-backed insights helping prevent accidents and disasters before they occur.