Tag: asia

What’s new at SM Supermalls? Rediscover every day with the ultimate home to many firsts

On By Jennifer PagalilauanIn StoriesLeave a comment


Home is comfortable. But with nothing new to try and experience, home can feel ordinary. With SM Supermalls, your everyday life never gets dull! From first-in-the-Philippines dining experiences to new and excitingly fresh shopping destinations, SM Supermalls elevates your everyday adventure by bringing local excellence and world-class sensations closer to you. Whether you’re craving to try out international flavors, aiming to discover rising local gems, or wanting to immerse yourself in cutting-edge lifestyle trends—SM Supermalls is your ultimate home to many exciting firsts.

Home to Authentic Italian Flavors

The finest flavors of Italy are now closer than ever! Rossopomodoro debuts its renowned Neapolitan pizza with its signature charred crust, creamy mozzarella, and San Marzano tomatoes as it opens its first-ever home in Asia at SM Mall of Asia (MOA). Meanwhile, Osteria Antica opens its doors at Level 6, Podium Social – SM Podium, serving authentic Italian dishes crafted with time-honored techniques, set against an equally breathtaking backdrop of interiors. 

Home to Korean and Taiwanese Cuisines

Welcome the richness of East Asian culinary innovations with these exciting new dining destinations. Du Hsiao Yueh headlines its time-honored techniques with its heritage Tainan-style Dan Zai noodles, while Maple Tree House serves popular Korean meals featuring premium grilled BBQ, both located at SM MOA. At SM Podium, Paldo offers an authentic Korean fine dining experience, specially curated by a masterful chef from Korea. Lugang Café, renowned for its authentic Taiwanese cuisine and exceptional dining experience, is excited to announce the grand opening of its first-ever branch in SM Seaside City Cebu. Cebuano diners can now savor the celebrated flavors such as Three-Cup Chicken, Steamed Xiao Long Bao and Crispy Chicken that have made Lugang Café a beloved name. Meanwhile, Leo Pizza at SM City Fairview redefines comfort food with its unique K-style pizza rendition.

Home to World-class Food Sensations

In SM Aura, the obsession for food just got more exciting with Philippines’ freshly launched, first-ever Burger & Lobster, bringing London’s iconic surf-and-turf duo to local food lovers. 

Home to Newly Launched Classic Favorites

In SM City Lipa, Subway welcomes its first branch in SM Supermalls, Batangas, offering stacked, flavor-packed subs for Batangueños to enjoy. While at SM CDO Downtown, Barkadahan Grill opens its newest store, serving Filipino classics and time-tested comfort food.

Home to Clothing and Fitness Essentials

Everyday essentials for your first-time hobbies and elevated fashion statements are here at SM Supermalls. For our fashion-forward shoppers, Hechter Paris brings French high fashion to SM Seaside City Cebu, offering tailored, effortless clothing, headlining with the minimalist, contemporary styles of The Editor’s Market in SM MOA. For our more active go-getters, Juego delivers high-performance sportswear and athletic gear designs at SM City Fairview.

Home to Coffee and Frozen Treat Lovers

Coffee and dessert lovers will find new favorites with exciting openings across SM Supermalls. Tah-me Frozen Yogurt debuts at SM Seaside City Cebu, serving specialty yogurt known for its distinguished creamy and tangy fusion of flavors. Swirl Studio at SM City Fairview delights with customizable desserts, while Coffee Spot offers specialty brews made from premium-sourced beans, perfect for connoisseurs. For the first time in SM, Hoshino Coffee introduces its famous hand-dripped coffee and fluffy soufflé pancakes—straight from Japan to SM J Mall!

Home to Firsts Yet to Come

Zubaibai Seafood Restaurant, an exciting seafood destination, is set to make waves for the first time in SM Supermalls—coming soon to SM CDO Downtown! Nine Pot is set to bring its signature Taiwanese hot pot to SM City Clark, while ramen and sushi lovers can look forward to Yuki-Kun and Ramen Nagi, both opening their first-ever Cebu branches at SM J Mall. For dedicated café lovers, The Matcha Tokyo is coming to SM City Clark, serving authentic and high-quality ceremonial-grade matcha and matcha-infused desserts. Meanwhile, Salon de Thé, a refined café extension of French Baker, is set to open at SM J Mall, offering an elegant escape with a delightful serving of French patisserie. Beyond dining, SM Supermalls continues to introduce new activities to explore with iSwing Golf Arena—an indoor golf experience at SM J Mall.

With unlimited shopping destinations and endless first-time experiences to enjoy, SM Supermalls brings the world closer to you, making every visit fresh, exciting, and unforgettable. SM Supermalls—redefining what it means to experience the world for the first time as your ultimate home to many firsts!

Download the SM Malls Online App on the Apple App Store and Google Play for exclusive deals and promos.

Stay updated with the latest #HomeOfFirsts news and events by visiting www.smsupermalls.com and following @smsupermalls on all social media platforms.

Stay Cool, Shop IRL — SM is your go-to Summer Destination

On By Jennifer PagalilauanIn StoriesLeave a comment

This summer, instead of stressing over missed deliveries and incessantly checking for courier updates, why not take a break from the screen and step into something better? An IRL, offline summer at SM Supermalls, where everything you need—and everything you didn’t know you needed—is under one massive, air-conditioned roof.

From food to fashion, workouts to hangouts, SM is the ultimate summer destination. Ready for the real-life glow-up?

1. Free Aircon = Instant Blessing

Let’s start with the obvious: it’s hot. Like, “my room feels like a sauna” hot. At SM, you can escape the heat without stressing over your electric bill. Come chill, hang, and breathe easy this summer—it’s comfort, community, and cool vibes, all in one breezy space.

 2. The Summer Blockbuster You Star In—Only at SM Supermalls

Now picture this: golden hour beams through glass atriums, the buzz of happy crowds in the background, and you—effortlessly owning your main character moment. This isn’t a movie. This is your SM summer.

Whether you’re in the mood for a laugh-out-loud comedy, a dramatic training montage, or a pastel-filtered baking scene, SM’s entertainment zones are your perfect backdrop. Here’s your all-star cast:

SM Cinema

Genre: Epic. Atmosphere: Electric.
The screen lights up, the sound surrounds you. This isn’t just movie night—it’s theatrical immersion. With crystal-clear visuals and surround sound, SM Cinema lets you feel every scene. From superhero sagas to tearjerkers, this is where your cinematic journey begins.

Gootopia (SM MOA, SM North EDSA)

Genre: Whimsical Sci-Fi Meets TikTok Reality Show
Drip, swirl, squish. At Gootopia, you’re the creator of your own slimy masterpiece. This neon-hued, sensory playground is part art lab, part ASMR heaven—and all fun.

PANA Archery (Available in 10+ SM malls)

Genre: Action Drama with a Hero Arc
Pull. Breathe. Release. At PANA Archery, you’re not just playing—you’re training. Channel your inner Katniss or Hawkeye in this thrilling escape that sharpens your focus and unleashes your bold side.

Bakebe (S Maison, SM Aura, SM North EDSA)

Genre: Feel-Good Rom-Com with a Sweet Twist
Imagine baking in a blush-toned café with heart-shaped tools and endless frosting. At Bakebe, you’re not just making desserts—you’re starring in your very own K-drama kitchen scene.

The credits haven’t rolled yet.
At SM, the entertainment doesn’t end when the lights go up. Because here, you’re not just watching the story—you’re living it.

3. Sports, Strength & Style—Unleashed at SM

Feeling the heat doesn’t mean slowing down. This summer, turn up the energy and get moving—whether you’re hitting goals, striking poses, or just vibing in cute athleisure.

Here’s where the sweat meets style:

SM Active Hub

From pickleball to running and beyond, the SM Active Hub transforms open mall spaces into high-energy workout zones. It’s free, fun, and community-driven.

Joining SM Active Hub is quick and easy. Just download the SM Malls Online app and follow these steps:

  • Click the “ACTIVEHUB” banner on the homepage.
  • Select your Active Hub community—whether it’s running, pickleball, or other upcoming sports.
  • Swipe to redeem your membership pass and unlock access to exclusive events, training sessions, and special deals!

SM Game Park

Your ultimate barkada battleground. Aim, shoot, score, and vibe in sleek areas built for serious fun.

SM Skating

Spin, slide, selfie. Whether you’re gliding like a pro or finding your balance, SM Skating lets you live your coolest dreams—literally.

SM Bowling

Retro lanes, cosmic lights, and milkshakes on the side. This is not a regular bowling alley.

4. Dining Goals: Global Flavors You Can Finally Taste IRL

Let’s be honest—no food post or mukbang can beat taking the first bite yourself. And this summer, SM is serving world-class flavors that bring travel to your taste buds.

Burger & Lobster (First in PH, SM Aura)

From London to Manila, this spot brings together juicy burgers and buttery lobsters for a luxe yet laid-back feast.

Rossopomodoro (First in Asia, SM MOA)

Straight out of Naples, this Italian gem delivers chef’s kiss wood-fired pizzas and silky pastas that make every bite a love story.

Paldo (First in SM, SM Podium)

Your favorite Korean instant brand now IRL—with hot ramyun, crispy k-chicken, and K-drama vibes.

Hoshino Coffee (First in Cebu, SM J Mall)

Japanese kissaten realness. Hand-drip coffee, soufflé pancakes, and chill, dreamy interiors that look amazing on your feed.

And this is just the appetizer. At SM, every craving is covered, from street food staples to gourmet surprises. Get ready to taste the world—no flight required.

5. Real Shopping > Endless Scrolling

Skip the cart anxiety and click fatigue. At SM, you see it, try it, love it, and take it home now—no delays, no returns, no drama.

KKV (Biggest in PH, SM North EDSA)

A treasure trove of TikTok-worthy finds—from skincare gadgets to kawaii accessories.

Armani Beauty (First in PH, SM MOA)

Where the runway meets radiance. Luxury foundations, iconic scents, and lipsticks that slay in a single swipe.

Wilson (First in PH, SM MOA)

Performance meets tenniscore. Get kitted out in gear that’s as bold as your game.

Foot Locker (First in Cebu, SM Seaside City)

The sneaker temple has arrived. Drops, classics, and streetwear that walk the talk.

Real shopping at SM hits different—it’s instant dopamine and endless discovery, all in one stylish stroll.

So… Why Are You Still Online?

This summer, your real story doesn’t live in your cart—it comes alive at SM Supermalls. With cool air, global eats, endless fun, and stylish finds, this is your season to show up and glow up.

To know more about SM Supermalls’ Summer activities, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media. 

Tagbilaran City Launches Modern Emergency Response System, Pioneering Safety and Tourism Growth in Bohol

On By Jennifer PagalilauanIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Tagbilaran City, capital of Bohol Island known as Friendship City and a bustling tourism hub in the south, is now proudly the “First City” in the Bohol Province to revolutionize its emergency response capabilities with state-of-the-art technology.

Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap announced the good news of the activation of the 911 Emergency Hotline using a modern US patterned and based emergency communication system for her city on April 25.

Mayor Yap said the port city that serves as a major gateway for both passengers and cargo handles a huge volume of travelers from other southern destinations, including Manila. Latest statistics show that Tagbilaran City under her leadership has enjoyed a consistent tourism growth of almost 30% percent year on year for the past 3 years and has become a favorite tourist destination because of its historical sites, beaches and natural attractions. Further, Mayor Jane said that “we are expecting foreign tourist arrival to swell for our upcoming and famous celebration, the Saulog Festival on April 27 that will be highlighted by colorful street dancing and a ritual showdown competition.

“It is only fitting for Tagbilaran to welcome all its visitors and its residents into a city that can give them peace of mind because it can assure an efficient emergency response when needed, ensuring their safety is a priority for me,” the Mayor said.

The decision to bring Tagbilaran’s emergency response system to the next level was borne out of the desire of the Mayor and the City Council to provide both tourists and the citizenry with world class public safety. It was also a direct response to the call of Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla for all local government units to work towards a unified emergency response system.

Mayor Yap praised the DILG and the present administration for its vision and earnest efforts to improve public safety nationwide. She said a unified emergency response system will improve coordination and communication, streamline decision-making, aid in resource allocation, prevent duplication of effort, reduce confusion and provide emergency callers with what they deserve: easy access and immediate response.

“A well-coordinated and effective emergency response builds public confidence in what local authorities can do in the face of emergencies and calls for help. It is our duty to protect our constituents and all who visit our City. Peace and order and protection, these are the cornerstones of public service,” Mayor Yap said.

Tagbilaran’s emergency response command center can now provide quick and accurate caller location, fully record all calls and integrate seamlessly with other communication devices and systems and ensure almost simultaneous, quick arrival on the scene of the emergency call. It can integrate with CCTV systems, uses data-driven analytics, identify and reduce prank calls, and now will be accessible through leading social media apps such as Facebook and Messenger, making “911” in Tagbilaran accessible, reliable and easy to use for everyone.

“This is a game changer for our City, studies show the safety of cities directly affects GDP. Safe cities attract more tourists and business investments. Our administration will continue to attack and reduce the crime rate in Tagbilaran. We will not stop until Tagbilaran becomes one of the safest cities in the Philippines,” Mayor Jane Yap exclaimed.

20 Museums and Galleries You Should Visit in CCP Pasinaya 2025

On By Jennifer PagalilauanIn EventsLeave a comment

Celebrate the National Arts Month with CCP Pasinaya 2025 Open House Festival: Para sa Lahat and visit as many museums and galleries as you can through its hop-on, hop-off museum tour around Manila and Pasay cities 

On February 1 and 2, pay-what-you-can, and visit-all-you-can with Paseo Museo, one of the well-loved components of CCP Pasinaya. Take the free CCP shuttle in the Paseo Museo terminal, located along Vicente Sotto Street and explore these 20 museums and galleries:

  • ADAMSON UNIVERSITY GALLERY – serves as a hub for art and photography exhibits, featuring works from both established and emerging artists since its inauguration in 2005. It also functions as a holding area for distinguished guests of the theater, further enhancing its role as a cultural and artistic venue.
  • ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME HISTORY (MUSEO MARITIMO) – established in 2012 to promote and safeguard the Philippines’ maritime heritage, the museum proudly presents a curated collection of artifacts and exhibits that weave together the intricate narrative of the nation’s maritime legacy.
  • BAHAY TSINOY – the premier cultural and lifestyle museum depicting the lives of the Chinese in the Philippines from pre-colonial to contemporary periods. Bahay Tsinoy documents, interprets, and communicates to a diverse audience about the evolution of the Tsinoy or Chinese Filipino, in order to propagate and perpetuate the imprint, impact and influence of the Tsinoy ethnic minority in mainstream Philippine society.
  • BALUARTE DE SAN DIEGO – the first stone fort in Manila turned into an archeological park. The garden area – which was once the site of a foundry and soldier’s barracks – is today rented out for private functions. The 16th century stone ruins provide a unique backdrop, while the fountain and pergola complete the perfect setting for special events and occasions.
  • CASA MANILA –  a living museum that features the lifestyle of an affluent Filipino family during the late Spanish colonial period. The interior decor of the house reflects the turn of the late 19th century where furniture and furnishings were sourced from Europe and China. Painted walls, crystal chandeliers, carved traceries, Chinese ceramics and gilded furniture show the elegance and luxury of a 19th century Manila house.
  • CENTRO DE TURISMO – offers an immersive experience into the rich history, vibrant present, and sustainable future of Intramuros. Exhibits and historical artifacts will take visitors on a journey through the Walled City’s pre-colonial roots, its role as a Spanish colonial center, the devastation of World War II, its ongoing revitalization, and its future development.
  • MUSEO DE INTRAMUROS – comprises two important reconstructions: the San Ignacio Church and the Mission House of the Society of Jesus. As the name denotes, the complex now houses the vast ecclesiastical collection of the Intramuros Administration.  
  • FORT SANTIAGO – one of the oldest fortifications in Manila built by the Spaniards in 1571, now standing as a memorial to the victims of World War II and the sacrifices of the Filipino people in pursuit of freedom.
  • GALLERIA DUEMILA – established in 1975, Galleria Duemila is known as one of the oldest art galleries in Manila. Galleria Duemila specializes in highlighting Filipino and other ASEAN contemporary artists and other modern masters such as Fernando Amorsolo, Fernando Zobel,  Jose Joya, H.R. Ocampo, among others. 
  • GSIS MUSEO NG SINING – established in 1996, the GSIS Museum showcases their rich art collection of National Artists for Visual Arts such as Fernando Amorsolo’s “History of Philippine Music” mural, as well as exhibitions from new and upcoming Philippine artists.
  • MANILA CLOCK TOWER MUSEUM – designed by Architect Antonio Toledo in the 1930s, the iconic clock tower is accessible through Manila City Hall and stands at 100 feet high. Transformed into a museum in 2022, the Manila Clocktower Museum features an immersive and multi-sensory experience about the history of Manila, and also features changing exhibitions in the visual arts, design and fashion.
  • METROPOLITAN THEATER (MET) – a historic example of Philippine Art Deco architecture, the Metropolitan Theater (MET) has hosted various performances such as plays, concerts, operas, and musicals since its inauguration in 1931.
  • MUSEO PAMBATA – Museo Pambata is a children’s interactive museum, the first of its kind in the Philippines. It aims to provide an alternative to the formal classroom environment, engaging the minds of the young, inspiring them to learn more, and revitalizing what child education should be – fun and exciting!
  • MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART AND DESIGN (MCAD) – a non-collecting art institution under the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde that considers the larger ecosystem of the Philippine art scene, the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD) Manila presents exhibitions, learning, and publications programs; as well as other cultural and art-inspired undertakings in collaboration with local and international artists and institutions.
  • NATIONAL MUSEUM – ANTHROPOLOGY – stages the Philippine ethnographic and terrestrial and underwater archaeological collections narrating the story of the Philippines from the past, as presented through artifacts as evidence of its pre-history.
  • NATIONAL MUSEUM – FINE ARTS – home to 29 galleries and hallway exhibitions of 19th century Filipino masters, National Artists, leading modern painters, sculptors, and printmakers. Also on view are art loans from other government institutions, organizations, and individuals.
  • NATIONAL MUSEUM – NATURAL HISTORY – houses 12 permanent galleries that exhibit the rich biological and geological diversity of the Philippines. It includes creatively curated displays of botanical, zoological, and geological specimens that represent our unique natural history. 
  • PWU-SFAD JOSE CONRADO BENITEZ GALLERY – located inside the Philippine Women’s University, the School of Fine Arts and Design Studio Gallery holds numerous exhibitions that showcased works of PWU alumni, students, faculty and organizations. It is designated as a studio gallery by setting itself as a laboratory for academic study, artistic exploration and inquiry.
  • BULWAGANG ROBERTO CHABET – while the Tanghalang Pambansa or the CCP Main Building is undergoing renovation until 2026, Bulwagang Roberto Chabet serves as the center’s main exhibition hall and gallery.
  • LIWASANG KALIKASAN – home to various public art installations and the CCP bamboo pavilion, where the unique architectural elements offer an unconventional space for special events like the light, sound, and projection presentation in CCP’s ‘Dagitab Digital’.

This year, the CCP continues to bring events like the Pasinaya Open House Festival, the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, and the Virgin Labfest to even broader audiences this year. Through these programs, the Center remains a home to Filipino and global audiences who hope to experience the very best of Filipino arts and culture.

CCP Pasinaya’s Paseo Museo tours start at 9am, with the last trip at 4pm on February 1 and 2, 2024. The multi-arts festival is simultaneously held at CCP Complex, Circuit Makati, various partner museums and galleries in Metro Manila, Batangas Province (Batangas), Himamaylan (Negros Occidental), and Sorsogon City (Bicol). It also makes a highly anticipated return to Iloilo City headed by the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (ILOMOCA) and Tagum City (Davao del Norte) with the Musikahan sa Tagum Foundation, Inc. This is in partnership with the networks of the CCP Kaisa sa Sining. 

Follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok for the latest updates.

E911 National Office commends PLDT and Smart for direct routing of 911 calls to NGA911 activated call centers for free

On By Jennifer PagalilauanIn NewsLeave a comment

The vision of a unified and integrated 911 emergency response system across the country is swiftly moving towards realization.

Advanced technology from Smart Telecommunications and the Philippine Long-Distance Telephone (PLDT) Company began to enable the seamless routing of 911 calls to the activated Local Command Centers in Morong, Rizal; Alaminos City, Pangasinan; and Cagayan De Oro City in October.

For Smart and PLDT subscribers in these areas, emergency calls are now routed directly to the respective local government unit’s (LGU) Local Emergency Response Centers. The streamlined process eliminates the previous step of routing calls through the Emergency 911 (E911) National Office and results in faster, more direct responses to emergencies.

“The primary mandate of the E911 National Office under the 911 National Program is to provide and ensure improved public safety services to the general public by providing a clear command structure for responsibility and accessibility. We should also facilitate the prompt deployment of a seamless nationwide communication infrastructure for emergency services through the joint efforts of the government, the private sector, and civil society,” said Executive Director Fajardo.

The Executive Director thanked PLDT and Smart for their commitment to ensure that their subscribers have quick and direct access to emergency assistance. Fajardo urged other telecommunications providers to join this life-saving initiative for the greater public’s good, safety, and survival.

NGA 911 Philippines Country Head Rob Llaguno echoed these sentiments, commending PLDT and Smart for facilitating the early routing of their subscribers’ 911 calls to the LGU Command Centers. This significant advancement further speeds up emergency response, enhancing the LGUs’ ability to protect lives and property, Llaguno said.

“We are integration-ready for any telco and eager to work with all concerned to equip our local government units with our NextGen emergency response system that is faster, more responsive, and resilient,” Llaguno added.

Llaguno emphasized the comprehensive support provided to the LGUs they serve, including the Philippine National Police Public Safety Command Center (PNP PCC). “Our services include fully recorded 911 environments, seamless conference and transfer facilities for responders, and advanced mapping and location detection capabilities. Recent statistics indicate that approximately 90% of 911 calls received by the PNP PCC in NCR are met with response times of five minutes or less as a result.”

Mambajao boosts tourism with first emergency response command center already equipped with US Next Generation Advanced 911 technology

On By Jennifer PagalilauanIn NewsLeave a comment

Camiguin Island — one of the country’s most desired tourist destinations – is taking big steps to make itself safe, resilient, and world-class in its emergency response and disaster preparedness.

Mambajao, the provincial capital, has launched its own next-generation advanced 911 emergency response center that will provide its citizens and tourists the advantages of modern, efficient emergency services related to public safety and disaster preparedness.

The Mambajao local government unit has partnered with NGA 911 the global leader in next-generation emergency response systems currently used in the United States to provide advanced solutions that integrate communication technologies to improve emergency services.

Friday, October 18, the third-class municipality, put up its cutting-edge, first-ever emergency response command center on the friendly island filled with natural wonders of volcanoes, lagoons, lakes, springs, waterfalls, beaches, and scenic seascapes.

Mambajao officials led by Mayor Yñigo Jesus (Yggy) Romualdo said they needed a centralized, advanced emergency response system that could provide real-time coordination and swift action during disasters to minimize the loss of life and property.

The bustling tourist destination faces a growing demand for responsive and reliable emergency services that will ensure the safety of residents and visitors. This became the key motivation to set up the 911 system capable of quickly addressing medical, fire, police, and rescue emergencies, similar to that used in the USA and Europe.

“The increasing availability of new technology and digital infrastructure inspired us to harness the power of that technology to modernize our emergency services characterized by a more efficient, tech-based system that could offer quicker response times, better resource allocation, and seamless coordination between different agencies,” said Mayor Romualdo.

He noted that existing emergency services were limited or fragmented, so local leaders invested in a next-generation 911 center that could centralize response efforts and

improve service delivery across multiple sectors like healthcare, fire response, and public safety.

“As a top tourist destination, the safety and well-being of visitors is paramount. Having an advanced emergency response center adds to Mambajao’s appeal as a safe and secure destination, thus contributing to its economic growth by boosting tourism and investor confidence,” the Mayor added.

He explained that tourism growth in Mambajao made them anticipate an uptick in emergencies – from accidents at popular destinations like beaches, diving spots, and hiking trails to health emergency responses brought about by new viruses and other public health crises. Fires and road accidents, especially those that involve public and tourist transportation, made officials consider an integrated response system that could dispatch emergency services more quickly and accurately.

The municipality took cues from national and international cities that have successfully implemented 911 systems. The proven success of these systems in saving lives and managing emergencies more effectively became the driving force behind the decision to develop Mambajao’s own center, Mayor Romualdo added.

These motivations reflect a broader vision to position the municipality as a forward-thinking, resilient, and safe community that prioritizes the well-being of its people and visitors.

Mayor Romualdo said his big dream for Mambajao is for it to become “a model of excellence in disaster preparedness and emergency response, where every citizen feels safe and secure, knowing that the community is equipped to handle any crisis. We envision a Mambajao that is not only resilient in the face of natural disasters but also proactive, utilizing cutting-edge technology to predict, prepare for, and mitigate risks before they escalate. A state-of-the-art emergency response center would be the heart of this vision, seamlessly integrating services across medical, fire, police, and rescue departments to provide swift and coordinated action.”

“Every barangay would have trained volunteers, supported by a robust communication network that ensures rapid dissemination of information and resources. Whether it’s a typhoon, volcanic activity, a health crisis, or daily emergencies like accidents, Mambajao is known for its efficiency and readiness to respond. This dream encompasses not just survival but the protection of lives, livelihoods, and the continued growth of the municipality as a safe and thriving community,” Mayor Romualdo said.

Robert Llaguno, Country Head of NGA Philippines promised that when Mambajao’s next-generation advanced 911 system becomes operational, all 911 calls to the

Mambajao DRRM Command Center will be fully recorded, with call and call transfer facilities that are seamless. When someone calls 911 the location of that caller becomes immediately known and the search radius is pinpointed with 90% accuracy.

“We are proud and happy to partner with the Mambajao LGU in bringing Next Generation 911 technology of the United States to this island tourist destination. NGA’s unique emergency location features, coupled with our IoT capabilities, provide the CDRRMO with exceptional situational awareness information that will protect the lives of locals, tourists, and responders alike. We are happy to play a role in boosting tourism in this beautiful part of our country,” Llaguno said.