Category: News

SM Supermalls and PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group Join Forces to Promote

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Public Awareness on Cybersecurity

Strengthening Cybersecurity Awareness 

The partnership between SM Supermalls and the PNP-ACG highlights their shared mission to raise public awareness on cybercrime prevention. L-R: Karen C. Zabaljauregui, Senior Assistant Vice President for SM Lifestyle, Inc., Engr. Junias M. Eusebio, Operations Vice President for SM Supermalls, PBGen. Matthew P. Baccay, PNP Acting Director for Investigation and Detention Management, PBGen. Bernard R. Yang, PNP Acting Director for Anti-Cybercrime Group.

Manila, Philippines – September 2, 2025. SM Supermalls and the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) have formalized their partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing held today at the SM Supermalls Headquarters Boardroom in MOA Square, Pasay City.

The partnership highlights SM Supermalls’ commitment to championing public safety and security by supporting the PNP-ACG’s efforts to raise awareness on cybercrime prevention. Under the agreement, SM Supermalls and SM Cinemas will provide free airtime for the PNP’s educational and awareness campaigns, playing their video advertisements across Cinema and LED screens in malls nationwide. These campaigns are designed to inform the public about the risks of cybercrime, promote responsible digital practices, and encourage proactive community involvement in ensuring online safety.

Cinema Screens for Cyber Safety 

Attendees watch as the PNP-ACG unveils its new video, set to be aired across SM Cinema screens nationwide. The campaign seeks to educate millions of mallgoers on the risks of cybercrime, promote responsible digital practices, and inspire proactive online safety.

The PNP-ACG, the national law enforcement unit tasked with preventing and combating cybercrime, emphasized the importance of public engagement in maintaining peace, order, and security in both digital and physical spaces. The MOA signing marks a strengthened collaboration between the government and the private sector to safeguard Filipinos against online threats.

Championing Cyber Safety | PBGen. Matthew P. Baccay, PNP Acting Director for Investigation and Detention Management, delivers his message of support for the nationwide advocacy campaign against cybercrime, reinforcing the call for safer and more responsible digital communities.

Sealed with a Signature | PBGen. Bernard R. Yang, Philippine National Police Acting Director for Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) formalize their partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement signing at the SM Supermalls Headquarters Boardroom, MOA Square, Pasay City.

Safety Beyond Shopping | Engr. Junias M. Eusebio, Vice President for Operations of SM Supermalls, affirms the company’s commitment to providing safe spaces both offline and online during the MOA signing with the PNP-ACG.

“SM Supermalls is more than just a hub for shopping, leisure, and community gatherings. We are also a partner in ensuring the safety and well-being of millions of Filipinos who visit our malls and live their lives online. This partnership with the PNP-ACG is an extension of our mission to provide a secure environment both offline and online,” said Engr. Junias M. Eusebio, Vice President for Operations of SM Supermalls.

A United Front Against Cybercrime | SM Supermalls executives and PNP-ACG officials come together to champion online safety through nationwide awareness campaigns.

This initiative forms part of SM’s broader advocacies in supporting government services, protecting public welfare, and building a safer and more informed community.

NGA 911: Emergency Response Certified

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NGA 911 Philippines, the local subsidiary of Next Generation Advanced 911 (NGA 911) of California and a global innovator in the field of emergency response, is now a member of the National Emergency Number Association (NENA).

NENA is a global non-profit organization that ensures emergency services in the United States, Canada and other parts of the world conform to strict global standards in their operations. NENA collaborates with the European Emergency Number Association (EENA) on the European side so together the two agencies can ensure that emergency response systems worldwide are efficient, reliable, and capable of providing timely assistance to those in need. 

Recently, NGA 911 LLC in the US and NGA 911 Philippines participated in the NENA 2025 Long Beach Conference Program that showcased how Next Generation 911 technology can transform public safety and emergency response and also became a NENA member.

Public safety professionals and agencies from around the world explored innovations in emergency communication at the conference where the transformation of Logan County’s 911’s dispatch center into a next-generation emergency response hub was a key highlight. The adoption of advanced systems such as Next Generation 911 (NG911), real-time mapping and GPS tracking, and seamless communication platforms revolutionized how the county’s public safety hub performed was demonstrated. These technologies enable faster, clearer, and more coordinated responses between dispatchers and first responders.

NGA 911 Philippines has been responsible for upgrading the public safety systems of various LGUs and institutions in the Philippines to guarantee immediate and accurate response to emergency calls in the National Capital Region and other parts of the country. LGUs already served by NGA 911 Philippines like Morong, Rizal; Alaminos City, Pangasinan; Cebu City, Cagayan De Oro City, Municipality of Mambajao in Camiguin Island, and Bustos, Bulacan have reported on how their emergency response capabilities have been revolutionized by the NGA 911 technology.

NGA 911 uses cutting-edge technology to improve communication, location accuracy, and data sharing between emergency service providers and link them together to address an emergency call. Moving beyond traditional voice-only calls, the NGA 911 technology enables to public to use multimedia text, photos and videos with their calls. These are then processed by the system to ensure faster call routing and enhanced location services. The result is quicker, more efficient, and coordinated responses during emergencies. 

With the NENA membership, NGA 911 Philippines can better assure LGUs and institutions that its services conform to the highest global standards in. emergency response.

Becoming a NENA member opens doors to transformative opportunities in public safety because NENA plays a key role in shaping the future of emergency services through its standards, training, and technological support. NENA standard technologies enable faster response times, real-time data sharing, GPS tracking, and seamless communication between dispatchers and first responders.

For the Philippines, adopting NENA standards and NG911 infrastructure offers the potential to modernize the country’s 911 services. Benefits include enhanced agency coordination, improved training for emergency personnel, and more efficient, data-driven resource management. Ultimately, these innovations are expected to improve response times and elevate the quality of emergency care across the nation.

GOMO goes the distance with Guinness World Records holder’s run across Luzon

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This summer, GOMO is lacing up for something big. In true UNSTPPBL spirit, the game-changing digital telco brand is partnering with Guinness World Records holder and women’s empowerment advocate Natalie Dau for Project 1000, a multi-day ultra run across Luzon that champions fitness, purpose, and breaking limits for a cause.

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From April 21 to May 2, Natalie has been blazing through the Philippine roads on foot to raise funds for her selected charities, and GOMO is on the same track. As the official telco partner, GOMO is inviting the GOMO Fam to run with purpose by donating their GBs via ‘Mo Creds on the GOMO PH app. GOMO customers can swap their No Expiry Data for donations in these amounts: 1GB for a P10 donation, 4GB for P50, 8GB for P100, and 15GB for P200. These donations go directly to support charities like Save the Children Girls Impact Fund, Alon and Araw Club, and scholarships for local schools.

On top of that, GOMO is also providing No Expiry Data SIMs and GOMO Fiber connection to help her partner communities enjoy the convenience of mobile with the power of fiber-fast speed connectivity, another industry first from the digital telco brand as it introduced a true digital fixed-mobile convergence product in the country.

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Natalie with GOMO’s Bianca Buita and Celine Larracas

“GOMO has always been about more than just data. Whether it’s owning your hustle, your passions, or by helping those in need, we’re here to help the GOMO Fam be truly unstoppable in their own way. Natalie & Project 1000 represent exactly what being UNSTPPBL means: breaking limits and moving with purpose. Through this initiative, we get to help bridge the digital gap for these communities so they can unlock the power to thrive—whether in school, in business, or at home,” said Dom Brucal, Head of GOMO PH.

On May 2, Natalie completes her mission with a special community run from Jollibee Sta. Cruz in Guiguinto, Bulacan to Jollibee Bonifacio Global City (BGC). Local runners, fitness advocates, and the GOMO Fam are invited to join her final stretch.

“Running has always been a tool for physical, mental, and emotional transformation. Being able to do what I love while raising awareness and empowering others, especially women, is what drives me. GOMO’s support has been incredible, and I’m honored to have them behind Project 1000,” shared Natalie.

By supporting purpose-driven movements like Project 1000, GOMO reinforces its commitment to what truly matters. It aims to inspire the youth to go beyond the scroll and use their gigabytes for good.

To learn more about GOMO, visit https://www.gomo.ph or through its social media channels: https://www.facebook.com/getgomo/ on Facebook, and @gomo.ph on Instagram, @gomo.ph on TikTok, and @gomo_ph on X (formerly Twitter).

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SM Supermalls hosts COMELEC Mall Voting on May 12

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Heads up, voters! The countdown to the May 12, 2025 National and Local Elections has begun—and this year, casting your vote just got a whole lot easier.

Voters fill the venue at SM North EDSA during the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections in 2023.

In partnership with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), SM Supermalls is proud to roll out the Mall Voting Program (MVP) in 20 select SM malls nationwide, bringing democracy closer to home—literally.

Gone are the days of sweltering heat and overcrowded school gyms. This May 12, eligible voters assigned to MVP locations can head to their designated SM mall to vote in a secure, accessible, and air-conditioned environment. Whether you’re a busy parent, a working professional, or a senior citizen looking for comfort and ease, the MVP is designed to improve your voting experience—one step (or escalator ride) at a time.

Who Can Vote in the Mall? 

Only voters whose precincts were officially transferred to a mall. This is indicated in the final list from COMELEC.

How Can I Confirm If I Vote in a Mall? 

Check any of the following: 

Voting Hours at the Mall: 

  • 5:00 AM – 7:00 AM — Priority: Seniors, PWDs, Pregnant voters
  • 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM — Regular voting hours

Can I Bring Someone to Help Me Vote? 

Yes, a relative (up to 4th degree) or Electoral Board member may assist.

Can My Companion Vote at the Mall Too? 

Only if their precinct was also officially transferred to the same mall.

Here’s a list of the participating SM Supermalls where you can conveniently vote this coming May 12:

  1. SM City Manila
  2. SM City North EDSA
  3. SM City Fairview
  4. SM City Sucat
  5. SM City Bicutan
  6. SM City BF Parañaque
  7. SM City East Ortigas
  8. SM City Southmall
  9. SM City Cauayan
  10. SM City Baliwag
  11. SM City Tarlac
  12. SM City Batangas
  13. SM City Santa Rosa
  14. SM City Puerto Princesa
  15. SM City Legazpi
  16. SM City Iloilo
  17. SM City Consolacion
  18. SM CDO Uptown
  19. SM CDO Downtown
  20. SM City Butuan

SM Supermalls offers a convenient mall voting experience for the 2025 elections, with 20 SM malls where people can vote.

From Luzon to Mindanao, SM Supermalls is proud to open its doors—rent-free—for the benefit of Filipino voters. And don’t worry, COMELEC’s got the backend handled: trained election personnel, full compliance with electoral rules, and tight coordination for logistics and security.

Why mall voting works

The goal? A smoother, more inclusive voting experience—especially for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, and pregnant voters. Think ramps, elevators, comfortable seating, and spacious voting areas—all in a familiar and accessible setting.

“We believe democracy should be inclusive, convenient, and secure,” shared Junias Eusebio, Vice President for Mall Operations at SM Supermalls. “By offering our malls as voting venues, we’re not just making it easier to vote—we’re helping empower every Filipino to make their voice heard.”

People sit and observe the proceedings, awaiting the election results at SM North EDSA.

Democracy meets convenience

This isn’t SM’s first time teaming up with government agencies. Through the SM Government Service Express (GSE), select SM malls already offer one-stop access to services like ID processing, permits, and more. The MVP is yet another way SM Supermalls is stepping up to serve the public in meaningful ways.

Plan ahead

Eligible for mall voting? Expect an official advisory from COMELEC about your assigned voting venue. Then, on May 12, head to your designated SM mall, bring a valid ID, and vote with ease.

Let’s all do our part—vote smart, vote safe, and vote comfortably.

Find your precinct number easily at precinctfinder.comelec.gov.ph. 

For more info and real-time updates, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @smsupermalls on social media.

About SM Supermalls Government Services
SM Supermalls’ Government Service Express (GSE) makes essential government services more accessible to Filipinos by bringing key agencies together in select malls nationwide. This one-stop hub offers ID applications, renewals, business registrations, permits, and more—all within a safe and convenient mall environment. Through strong partnerships with government agencies, SM Supermalls champions efficiency, inclusivity, and ease of access, redefining public service to better serve communities.

Bustos becomes first Region 3 LGU with cutting edge emergency response system

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Bustos in Bulacan province has just become the first local government unit in Region 3 to be equipped with the high technology public safety communication system used in the US and Europe.

Mayor Francis Albert Juan inaugurated the first class municipality’s command center Monday, April 21, with National E911 Office Executive Director Francis Fajardo hailing the move as a godsend to the municipality and the region.

The Bustos Command Center is manned by LGU call handlers trained by the National E911 office, 911 operators working 24/7 and 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.

The Executive Director praised Mayor Juan’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 ED Fajardo, commending the mayor and his municipality for heeding the government’s call for LGUs to put up their own emergency response systems that use the latest technology. “They will provide a lifeline to all Filipinos”.

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Johnvic Remulla has made a unified 911 system as a high-priority initiative during his term, with the aim of improving emergency response nationwide via a highly reliable, flexible and feature-rich system for handling calls and transmitting information. Mayor Juan and Bustos, Bulacan were one of the first LGUs to heed the call.

“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. 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,” Mayor Juan said proudly.

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

The national government has also prioritized enhanced disaster preparedness and response in its agenda. President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. himself has repeatedly underscored the need to improve the capacity of communities to be prepared so they can prevent and reduce the impact of disasters in their localities, stressing the need for science-based innovations on disaster response and asking LGUs to work together towards this goal.

Mambajao is summer and tourist-ready with world-class, next-gen 911 public safety system in place

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When tourist traffic swells in Camiguin Island this summer, the municipality of Mambajao will be good and ready to look out for its residents’ and the island visitors’ safety and security.

The third-class municipality in northern Mindanao has just activated its 911 hotline at the Mambajao Operation Center at Lakas Poblacion, with Mayor Yñigo Jesus Romualdo and Congressman Jurdin Jesus Romualdo leading the activation ceremony on February 27.

Mambajao 911 calls are now routed and picked up directly by the emergency response command center. Data dashboards summarize information visually and help users understand data better to make decisions faster. This month the Mambajao command center also launched its automated incident ticketing system that dramatically improves response times, streamlines workflows, and reduces error.

More advanced features of the next-gen emergency system will be provided in the next few months. These are caller’s location, the ability to send photos and videos through the system, CCTV interoperability, and auto transcription that converts recorded or live audio into text within minutes – all actionable data gathered by the system to better serve the community.

“Finally, we have this next generation advanced 911 system for emergency response and assistance. It’s really here, and it’s really happening. Our plan for the municipality is turning into reality, one by one,” Mayor Romualdo said.

Mambajao started its next generation advanced 911 journey last October when it put up a command center already equipped with the cutting-edge technology. Mambajao became the first municipality in northern Mindanao that could respond to distress calls in unprecedented speed by partnering with NGA 911 Philippines, the local subsidiary of NGA 911, LLC headquartered in California, USA, the global innovator of emergency calling technology and the leader in Next Generation 911 (NG911) emergency communications worldwide. 

Mambajao joined Morong, Rizal; Alaminos City, Pangasinan; Cebu City, Cagayan De Oro City and soon, Navotas City in Metro Manila and Bustos, Bulacan as LGUs already equipped with the world-class emergency response system.

Last Feb. 7, 2025, during the 7th General Assembly of the League of Provinces of the Philippines, DILG Secretary Juanito “Jonvic” Remulla called on local chief executives to extend full support to the country’s implementation of the 911 system for a faster, more efficient response to emergencies.

With the advanced emergency response system in place, island guests and residents can feel secure in Mambajao this summer, knowing that wherever emergencies may happen, they can be provided assistance in just a few minutes,” said Ms. Raquel Ranara, Mambajao DRRM officer.

She said response time to emergency calls has dramatically been shortened to just 3 to 5 or 7 minutes when the system was activated. Emergency calls are mostly for medical assistance or reports of vehicular accidents. 

Robert Llaguno, Country Head of NGA 911 Philippines, explained that upon full implementation, when someone calls 911, the location of that particular caller is immediately provided, and the search radius is limited to just about 5 yards with 90% accuracy.

“NGA technology can ingress various types of available systems or applications and integrate them with local government’s CCTV systems that will provide front liners and first responders with enhanced location and situational awareness. We can also integrate with instant messaging applications and provide an omnichannel queue.”

E911 National Office Executive Director Francis Fajardo said cutting-edge emergency response command centers are staffed by well-trained and dedicated personnel and can handle crises and emergencies with precision and professionalism.

SM strengthens pivot to solar PVs in support of DOE’s renewable energy goals

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A large building with many buildings and trees AI-generated content may be incorrect.

SM City Bataan and its 4,060-piece solar photovoltaic (PV) panels have a peak capacity of 2,376,000 kW.

As the world continues to grapple with depleting resources, the need for renewable energy has never been more urgent. Malls, as significant energy consumers, have a unique opportunity to lead the charge towards a greener, more sustainable future by adopting renewable energy solutions that can significantly reduce their environmental impact.

Understanding this, SM has been continuously ramping up its renewable energy initiatives by adopting solutions that lower its carbon footprint. One such solution is the adoption of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, which provide clean and renewable energy by converting sunlight directly into electricity. This allows SM to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, lower energy costs, and contribute to a greener environment.

Expanding solar power across SM malls

As of February 2025, SM is nearing full operations for the solar PV systems installed in 45 of its properties across the country, with more slated for retrofitting soon.

SM’s use of solar PV systems is just one of the many ways the company has been taking a more sustainable approach to energy use while supporting the country in achieving its sustainability goals. Its efforts continue to be recognized by reputable institutions both locally and internationally. 

Industry recognition for SM’s sustainability efforts

For instance, SM’s flagship mall, SM Mall of Asia, was recognized at the 2024 Energy Efficiency Excellence Awards and Sustainable Energy Awards organized by the Department of Energy (DOE). It won the Sustainable Energy Award for a Private Institution for its solar PV system, which is capable of generating 2.7-megawatts (MW) of peak energy—enough to power 1,790 households for an entire year. 

Meanwhile, SM City Butuan was recognized under the New and Existing Building category at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Energy Awards 2024 Best Practices Competition for Energy-Efficient Buildings. Endorsed by the DOE to represent the Philippines, the mall was honored for advancing energy efficiency and conservation (EEC) innovations in its design and operations.

Supporting the DOE’s Renewable Energy Roadmap

Alongside its efforts to integrate renewable energy sources into its operations, SM is also committed to supporting the DOE in achieving its targets under the Renewable Energy Roadmap 2017-2040, particularly its goal to increase the country’s renewable energy installed capacity to at least 20,000 MW by 2040.

A building with cars parked on the side AI-generated content may be incorrect.

SM City Tanza is one of the 45 SM malls with solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, numbering 2,286 units, which will produce 1,257.30 kW peak solar power.

Public-Private Partnerships for a sustainable future

SM collaborates with partner solar PV system providers under the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Distributed Energy Resources program. These service contracts define the conditions of the partnership, project timelines, and the assigned malls for each provider, aligning with SM’s adoption of renewable energy.

“At SM, sustainability is a commitment. Our growing solar portfolio demonstrates our dedication to a greener future for the Philippines, in partnership with the DOE and our valued partners,” shared SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance Group Engr. Liza Silerio.

 “Together, we’re not just generating cost savings – we’re shaping a more sustainable future by supporting long-term environmental goals of our partners while contributing to the Philippines’ green transition,” said Green Heat Corporation Director Glenn Tong. Green Heat is one of SM’s solar PV system providers.

A large building with many parking lots AI-generated content may be incorrect.

SM City Butuan with its solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. 

A model for sustainable development

Beyond its environmental and economic benefits, SM’s implementation of solar PV systems serves as a progressive model for public-private partnerships (PPPs). By collaborating with the DOE, SM gains access to technical expertise and financial incentives while helping the country meet its sustainability goals. This approach promotes innovation, creates jobs, and sets a precedent for other commercial establishments to follow.

DOE’s support for sustainable energy development

“The DOE has implemented sustainable energy development strategies and institutionalized national and local capabilities, and we are heartened by the strong support we have received from both the private and public sectors,” said DOE Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara in her opening address at the Sustainable Energy Awards. 

To learn more about SM’s various sustainability initiatives, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.

Lawyer and Corporate Governance Specialist Jose Tomas Syquia joins the CCP Board of Trustees

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The Cultural Center of the Philippines welcomes Atty. Jose Tomas Syquia to its Board of Trustees. He took his oath of office on January 28, 2025.

Syquia has worked in the private sector for 17 years, specializing in corporate governance and securities law, government procurement, telecommunications, arbitration and mediation, and consultancy work. His decades-long career in public service started as a state counsel at the Department of Justice in 1998. He later joined the Securities and Exchange Commission as a director in 2001 and as an executive director of the Procurement Service in 2014.

The newly appointed Trustee has been a member of the Philippine Bar since 1995. He holds a Master of Law degree from the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom, focusing on human rights law, humanitarian law, and law of international organizations. 

Trustee Syquia is the son of the late Ambassador Enrique Syquia, a renowned international lawyer, diplomat, and law professor who founded Syquia Law Offices. It was once considered the biggest single proprietorship law firm in the country with one of the most extensive private law libraries. He strives to live through his father’s examples. 

Syquia will join Chairman Jaime C. Laya; co-chairs Maria Margarita Moran-Floirendo and Carissa Coscolluella; President Kaye Tinga; with Trustees Marivic del Pilar, Junie del Mundo, Isidro Consunji, Jonathan Velasco, Felix “Monino” Duque, and Atty. Gizela Gonzalez in helping the CCP fulfill its mission to be the leading institution for arts and culture in the Philippines. 

PNP now responds to emergency calls in 3-5 minutes as commitment to DILG’s Revitalized 911 program

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Philippine National Police (PNP) responders arrive in the scene in less than five minutes.

Police Brigadier General Warren Gaspar A. Tolito, Director of the PNP Communications and Electronics Service (CES) shared the good news that over 90% of all Police 911 calls can now be responded to in record response time.

The game-changing approach to emergency response is a direct result of the Department of Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) Revitalized Emergency 911 Project which calls for immediate and accurate reaction to emergency calls from citizens and LGUs.

Majority of the emergency calls stem from vehicular accidents, domestic violence, public disturbance, individuals running amok, theft and robbery, Tolito revealed.

Tolito mentioned interesting cases of rescues made in the nick of time, like a woman about to jump off a bridge in Batasan Hills who was pulled to safety by PNP operatives, an abandoned newborn in an ecobag found in a vacant lot in Cabuyao, Laguna that was brought to the hospital just in time to save its life, and the thwarted hijacking of a tanker filled with goods because of swift relay messages between operatives from the scene of the crime in Caloocan to the place of apprehension in Obando, Bulacan.

“At PNP 911, we do not discriminate. There was an incident of someone creating trouble in a Nueva Ecija establishment. Someone from the establishment called 911 and within 5 minutes, the responders were there. The apprehended person in the station was identified as an off-duty officer of the law,” General Tolito added.

Tolito said some cities like Quezon City and Zamboanga City respond really quickly and are very efficient in their emergency response. Areas where the nearest police station is far off take a little longer but still respond within the 3 to 5-minute standard. In Metro Manila areas, traffic sometimes affects response time. He shared that the highest emergency calls come from the Laguna and Cavite areas.

Robert Llaguno, country head of NGA 911 Philippines which provided the PNP with its patented call handling system, said statistics show that after calling 911 (then pressing “1” for Police) it takes less than a minute for such calls to be picked up and average dispatch time of responders is only 40 to 50 seconds. NGA 911 technology is responsible for leveling up emergency capabilities of the PNP and LGUs to standards used in the US and Europe.

Llaguno noted that the PNP’s three-minute response statistics is “comparable and may be even better than that of the States”. “The PNP is determined to sustain this type of response for Filipinos and should be commended for this,” Llaguno said.

Tolito said the PNP is committed to get things done within the 3 to 5 minutes standard set by PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil based on a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last June “so we can be at par or better than other countries”. “We have accepted the challenge and even our Regional Directors are doing simulation exercises in the field just to show how serious we are about this,” Tolito said.

“I think what drives our PNP to sustain this kind of response is the joy of responding and helping our kababayans on the ground who really need help the most. It’s very fulfilling to be able to help them by responding fast, it’s just that we did not have this type of system before. Now that we have it, our PNP has high morale because they have a clear sense of direction in their patrolling.”

Tolito added that “emergencies can happen anytime, and we are happy that we can respond efficiently and accurately. It is in our nature as Filipinos to want to help our fellow men, in whatever way”.

At the National Summit on Emergency Response held in Mandaluyong City last August, the DILG’s E911 National Office signed a memorandum of understanding with NGA911, for a proof-of-concept use of its Next Generation 911 technology to power the Revitalized 911 program of the country. US-based NGA 911 LLC, mother company of NGA Philippines, provides the 911 system of California, USA.

“The PNP, the E911 National Office of the DILG powered by NGA911’s cutting-edge technology, data-driven analytics, and PLDT’s network are at work daily elevating 911 of the Philippines to a higher level,” Gen. Tolito concluded.

CCP BRINGS THE CLASSIC OPERA OF PUCCINI TO DUMAGUETE CITY

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To share the experience of opera with Filipinos in the provinces, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) recently brought Italian composer Giacomo Puccini’s timeless tragedy La Bohème to Silliman University in Dumaguete City.

This outreach program was made possible with the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA), Filipinas Opera Society Foundation, Inc. (FOSFI), Silliman University, and the City Government of Dumaguete.

“By bringing La Bohème to Dumaguete, the CCP hopes to ignite the spirits of those who share the ideals of Puccini’s young and brave Bohemians,” shared CCP President Kaye C. Tinga during the opening program.

Exploring the fragility of life through the artistic lens, Puccini’s La Bohème was based on the novel Scenes de la vie de Bohème by French writer Henri Murger. It narrates the colorful lives of young Bohemians residing in the Latin Quarter of Paris in the 1840s.

The tragic love story of La Bohème marked Puccini’s rise to fame, transforming him into a fully-fledged original composer when it first premiered in Turin, Italy, in 1896. Known for its remarkable arias and scenes, La Bohème has inspired numerous artistic interpretations such as Jonathan Larson’s rock musical Rent and Baz Luhrmann’s award-winning jukebox film Moulin Rouge.

With its timeless perspective on life, love, and friendship, the opera continuously resonates with audiences across generations, proving that heartfelt art transcends time and borders.

Directed by Alexander Cortez, the four-act opera successfully showcased local talent including Viva Voce Voice Lab performers Iona Ventocilla-Borja, Nomher Nival, Myramae Meneses, Carlo Falcis, Roby Malubay, Fritz Rivera, and Raymond Yadao. Meanwhile, Viva Voce Voice Lab artistic director and soprano singer Camille Lopez-Molina handled the music direction.

Presenting Puccini’s most beloved opera in Dumaguete is a part of the larger vision that the CCP and its partner organizations are striving towards—inspiring a deep appreciation for opera among the next generation of artists, musicians, and audiences.

The world of opera, often associated with extravagant sets and elaborate costumes, may seem distant and unattainable for aspiring Filipino artists. However, this misconception is precisely what the CCP aims to challenge and overcome. This is why the CCP has been showcasing live opera performances such as Puccini’s Turandot, Gaetano Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’Amore (The Elixir of Love), and Lucia di Lammermoor.

For the past eight years, the CCP also presented The Met: Live in HD, a series of live opera performances transmitted in high-definition video via satellite from the Metropolitan Opera in New York.

With its allied partners, the CCP also presented the Progetto Puccini masterclasses with mentors Fabio Armiliato, Mariano Panico, and Lorena Zaccaria. The classes consisted of workshops and training to selected Filipino opera singers. In addition to celebrating Puccini’s legacy, the masterclasses hope to nurture Filipino musicality by cultivating a new generation of opera lovers.

The second phase of the Progetto Puccini project will feature performances of La Bohème, to be performed in Italy from June 15 to 30, 2025, with participating Filipino artists. 

By including operas in its annual artistic programs like the Progetto Puccini masterclasses, the CCP and its allied organizations are progressing in making the art form more accessible for Filipino audiences. 

CCP President Tinga also reiterated her belief in the CCP’s mission to preserve, promote, and develop the Philippine cultural heritage by supporting the creation, appreciation, and dissemination of the arts in all its forms. “The CCP is not only keeping the tradition of opera alive in the Philippines, it’s also ensuring that these masterpieces remain relevant to contemporary audiences,” she added.

For more information, visit culturalcenter.gov.ph, facebook.com/culturalcenterofthephilippines, or @culturalcenterph on Instagram.