As the country observes National Disaster Resilience Month, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday urged Filipinos to make the Unified 911 Emergency Hotline an essential part of their disaster preparedness, stressing that timely reporting can save lives and prevent emergencies from worsening.

The department said resilience is not built through infrastructure and government response alone. It also depends on citizens knowing what to do and acting quickly when emergencies occur.

Through the Unified 911 Hotline, the public can immediately connect with police, fire, medical and rescue services using a single nationwide number, reducing delays and improving coordination when every second counts.

"Preparedness begins with knowing where to call during emergencies. Unified 911 empowers every Filipino to become an active partner in saving lives and strengthening community resilience," the DILG said.

Launched in 2025 under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Unified 911 is part of the government's efforts to modernize emergency response and build safer, more resilient communities.

The hotline provides faster and more coordinated assistance during typhoons, fires, accidents, medical emergencies, violent incidents and other situations requiring immediate intervention.

Since its launch, the system has handled nearly 12 million calls nationwide, reflecting growing public awareness of the hotline and the importance of timely emergency reporting.

The DILG cited recent cases where prompt calls to Unified 911 enabled responders to save lives and prevent further harm.

In Tondo, Manila, a caller reported a fire at a commercial establishment, prompting the deployment of 14 firetrucks within six minutes. Although the blaze reached the third alarm, firefighters contained the fire with no reported casualties.

In Dasmariñas City, authorities responded within five minutes after a shooting incident was reported through Unified 911, apprehending the suspect and ensuring that the 60-year-old victim received immediate medical treatment.

In Aringay, La Union, first responders arrived within two minutes after receiving a report of a stabbing incident, preventing further escalation and providing prompt medical assistance to the victim.

The department said these incidents underscore how immediate reporting and rapid emergency response help strengthen community resilience.

It urged the public to familiarize themselves with Unified 911, remain calm when making emergency calls, provide accurate information, and use the hotline responsibly.

"Sa oras ng sakuna, gawing sandigan ang 911. Sa bawat maagap na tawag, nakatutulong tayong bumuo ng mas panatag at ligtas na komunidad," the DILG said.