San Juan City upgrades emergency response with new radio system

San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora on Sunday led the official turnover of newly acquired radio communication equipment to key city departments and frontline units at San Juan City Hall, aimed at strengthening the city’s peace and order and emergency response capabilities.

The upgraded radio communication system is designed to ensure faster, clearer, and more reliable coordination among the city government’s response cluster, enhancing interoperability among offices responsible for public safety, emergency response, disaster risk reduction, and health services.

“This system allows our responders to coordinate immediately, especially during emergencies,” Zamora said.

"For example, in the event of a fire, our teams can communicate directly through radio instead of relying solely on mobile phones. This means faster response, better coordination, and ultimately, safer outcomes for our residents," the mayor added.

Zamora said he directed the implementation of the project to further strengthen San Juan City’s peace and order initiatives.

“San Juan City is the city with the lowest crime volume in Metro Manila and the only drug-cleared city in the National Capital Region. Sustaining these gains requires continuous investment in systems that support our responders. A strong and reliable communication network is essential to maintaining peace, order, and public safety,” he said.

The integrated radio system is expected to improve coordination across the city’s response cluster during both routine operations and emergency situations.

During the same ceremony, Department of the Interior and Local Government City Director Adrian Lopez formally turned over seven rescue boats to Mayor Zamora in his capacity as head of the local government unit. The boats were provided as an incentive following San Juan City’s recognition as a Seal of Good Local Governance awardee for 2024.

Each rescue boat weighs approximately 150 kilograms and has a maximum carrying capacity of up to 1,000 kilograms. The units are equipped with two paddles, a high-powered 21,000-lumen rescue flashlight, and a boat trailer to enable faster deployment during emergency and rescue operations.