Tag: technology

PH’s advanced emergency response system will reinforce publicconfidence, attract investments and tourism, says tech expert

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The Philippines is poised to be a model of disaster resilience and smarter governance in Southeast Asia where citizens will have peace of mind knowing that help is just a message or call away, regardless of their location.


This is what Don Ferguson, co-founder of the next generation advanced 911 emergencyresponse technology currently being used in the United States and Europe, and CEO of NGA 911 LLC based in the US, said after noting that a growing number of local government units (LGUs) in the Philippines have already put up their own cutting-edge public safety systems.


Heeding the call of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for a unified, nationwide 911 emergency response system that utilizes modern technology, Morong, Rizal, Alaminos City in Pangasinan, Cebu City, Cagayan de Oro City, Mambajao in Camiguin Island, Bustos, Bulacan and Tagbilaran City, Bohol became the
First LGUs to invest in the state-of-the-art emergency response command centers. Command centers in these areas now use advanced technologies like IP-based networks and multimedia capabilities that have improved emergency response efficiency and effectiveness, so distress calls can be answered and attended to on-site in just 3 to 5 minutes. The new technology also enables more robust and flexible communication between emergency callers and dispatch centers and allows transmission of multimedia data like text, photos and video. Prank callers can be
identified and eliminated from the conversation.


Ferguson said the advanced technology now used by the local command centers will enable the LGUs to operate with greater coordination, accountability and data-driven decision-making.


This is due to the advanced technology’s precise geolocation and real-time data. Citizens will also be able to send texts, photos, and videos that will give responders critical information before they arrive on the scene. LGUs are able to coordinate more effectively, especially during large-scale disasters where speed and clarity are essential.
The system enhances public trust by making emergency assistance more accessible and reliable, while also improving frontliner safety by providing better situational awareness, Ferguson added.


The future will be bright, announced Ferguson. “With a modern infrastructure in place,
the country will attract more investment and tourism. Ultimately, the Philippines will be
recognized not just for its beauty and culture, but for its leadership in innovation and
commitment to saving lives.”
The unified emergency system will reinforce public confidence because it will signal that
safety and risk management are top priorities, Ferguson shared. “Tourists are more likely to visit regions with dependable emergency services, which boosts local economic growth. Centralized data enables better governance through increased transparency, accountability, and performance monitoring. This transformation also creates jobs and drives innovation in tech and public safety sectors. Overall, it strengthens and enhances the Philippines’ global reputation as a resilient and well-managed nation.”

The National Resilience Council’s colloquium proves resilience thrives in collaboration

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The National Resilience Council (NRC) of the Philippines convened a diverse group of stakeholders for the event “From Surviving to Thriving: Transformative Strategies through Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships and Innovations.” As a science and technology-driven public-private partnership, the NRC unites national and local governments, academia, civil society, and the private sector to advance the interconnected objectives of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, Sustainable Development Goals, Paris Climate Agreement, New Urban Agenda, and other global commitments.

Held as the 2025 Resilient Local Government Unit Program (RGLUP) Colloquium, the event showcased progress and updates from participating cities and municipalities in the NRC’s Adopt a City (AAC) Initiative. This initiative enables corporations to move beyond disaster relief, investing in risk reduction through preparedness funding, prevention, pre-disaster recovery planning, and long-term resilience programs. By empowering local governments, AAC promotes collaborative efforts to build safer, more resilient communities.

National Resilience Council (NRC) Co-Chairman for the Private Sector Hans Sy, in his message of support, reiterates that resilience is a continuous journey and is a collective responsibility to build on progress, promote innovation, and ensure lasting impact.

The colloquium also welcomed NRC’s private and public sector partners, with notable participation from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of National Defense, and the United Nations ARISE Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies – Philippine network. The event opened with inspiring messages from NRC Co-Chairman for the private sector and SM Prime Holdings Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, NRC Vice Chairman for civil service organizations and Zuellig Family Foundation President Austere Panadero, and NRC Vice Chairman for the scientific organizations and academe and Director of the Manila Observatory Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin, SJ.

National Resilience Council (NRC) Executive Director Silvestre Barrameda Jr., NRC Vice Chair for the academe Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin SJ, NRC Co-Chair Hans Sy, and NRC Vice Chair for civil service organizations Austere Panadero listen as participants of the Adopt-a-City Initiative present their progress towards disaster resilience.

Cities in the AAC’s Prepare phase—Baguio, Iligan, Mandaue, and Tiwi, Albay—presented their innovative disaster resilience strategies. Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong emphasized, “Baguio’s resilience journey highlights the power of collaboration and national support.” Meanwhile, cities in the Adapt and Transform phase, the initiative’s next stages —Naga, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, Bataan, Manila, and Ormoc—highlighted their advanced strides. Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez shared, “I am very proud to say that because of Project Transform, together with our esteemed partners, Ormoc City is always on track in terms of environmental stewardship and resilience.”

At the National Resilience Council (NRC) Colloquium, local government units in the Adopt-a-City Initiative deliver a public narrative and take part in a panel discussion with leading resilience experts.

Public officials take the opportunity to proudly expound on the programs developed together with the support of the National Resilience Council (NRC) and other partners.

A highlight of the event was the launch of the Resilience Competency Assessment (CompAss), a tool designed to strengthen local government capabilities in disaster resilience. Drawing from the NRC’s mission, the colloquium underscored the power of multi-stakeholder collaboration in driving transformative change. By bridging sectors and promoting innovation, the NRC and its partners are paving the way for a resilient Philippines.

The National Resilience Council (NRC) Board launches the Resilience Competency Assessment (CompAss) at the colloquium together with representatives of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of National Defense, the United Nations ARISE Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies – Philippine network, and the City Mayor of Baguio, Hon. Benjamin Magalong, and Mayor of the Municipality of Tiwi, Albay, Hon. Jaime Villanueva.

More than 150 members, partners, supporters and participants of the National Resilience Council (NRC)’s programs came together to celebrate the achievements of local government units in the realm of disaster risk resilience.

ARISE Philippines holds first Annual General Meeting, setting the stage for a resilient 2030

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The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies (ARISE) Philippines, a leading resilience network in the country, held its first annual general meeting for 2025 on January 27 at the ARISE Secretariat headquarters in MOA Square, Mall of Asia Complex. With a growing membership of 156 private sector companies, civil society groups, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and academic institutions, ARISE Philippines is poised to significantly impact disaster resilience efforts nationwide.

Multi-sector representatives attend ARISE Philippines’ first Annual General Assembly in 2025.

Under the theme “Catalyzing Progress for a Resilient and Sustainable Future towards ARISE 2030,” the meeting was grounded in the words “Innovate, Integrate, and Elevate,” urging members to embrace new approaches, collaborate across sectors, and raise the bar for disaster resilience standards. 

ARISE Philippines Board Members (from left): Dr. Ma. Teresita Medado, Sylvestre Barrameda Jr., Austere Panadero, ARISE Philippines Co-Chair Engr. Liza Silerio, ARISE Global Board Member Vice Admiral (VADM) Alexander Pama, Raymond Rufino, and Michael Rellosa (not in photo: Rosemarie Rafael and Jessica Bianca Sy)

The Co-Chair representing the private sector, Engr. Liza Silerio, welcomed the collective and expressed her gratitude for the network’s role in promoting community resilience and sustainable progress. For the public sector, Office of Civil Defense Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno emphasized the importance of engineering solutions in disaster preparedness and highlighted the critical role of committed private sector leaders in building a more resilient nation. 

Chief of Office UNDRR Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific Marco Toscano-Rivalta, in a video message, commended ARISE Philippines for its outstanding contributions to disaster risk reduction. “I extend my profound gratitude for ARISE Philippines’ exemplary leadership and contributions,” he stated. He referenced the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction held in Manila last October 2024, saying, “Your efforts were instrumental to the event’s success. ARISE has showcased the power of public-private partnerships and set the benchmark for other regions to follow.”

Member companies pledge their participation in ARISE Philippines’ seven new programs.

ARISE Global Board Member Vice Admiral (VADM) Alexander Pama, ret., was present to bolster the local network and guarantee its support to the international alliance. A highlight of the meeting was the unveiling of seven ARISE Philippines Materials and Knowledge products by the ARISE Board of Directors. These resources are designed to support members in implementing resilience-building initiatives. The meeting also included a call to action for members to actively participate in seven new programs to be initiated this year.

Mr. Hans Sy, ARISE Philippines Chairperson for the Private Sector, addresses members and observers.

In his closing remarks, ARISE Philippines Chairperson for the Private Sector Mr. Hans Sy rallied the assembled members and observers, emphasizing the importance of unity, collaboration, and action. He urged everyone to work together to “co-create bridges for resilience,” promoting a stronger and more resilient Philippines for the next generations. 

SM Prime Holdings serves as the secretariat office of the ARISE Philippines network to advocate a culture of business resilience against natural and man-made hazards. For more information, visit www.arise.ph or email secretariat@arise.ph.  

U.S. trade mission highlights innovative technologies for sustainable smart city and infrastructure development in PH

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Next-generation advanced emergency response provider NGA 911 LLC is among companies offering cutting-edge solutions

MANILA – NGA 911 LLC, the mother company of NGA 911 Philippines/NGCS – the provider of next-generation advanced emergency response in the country — is in town for a trade mission tasked to introduce innovative products, services, and solutions that will contribute to economic growth and sustainable urban development in the Philippines.

Organized by the U.S. Department of Commerce and facilitated by the U.S. Embassy, the Mission aims to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange between mission delegates and local stakeholders.

Twelve companies offering advanced cutting-edge U.S. solutions for sustainable smart city and infrastructure development met with government representatives to present and discuss innovative infrastructure technologies for local industrial, business, and lifestyle applications.

The businesses include graph-based AI technologies, progressive and comprehensive rail industry solutions, cyber security services, energy services, automotive and manufacturing industries with advanced AI solutions, privacy preserving data-sharing, advanced engineering, construction and project management solutions, mobile app data management and privacy behaviors, and next generation, advanced emergency response.

The trade mission is a follow-up to the highly successful Presidential Trade and Investment Mission to Manila led by Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo on behalf of President Joe Biden last March and will explore local governance practices and urban development strategies in the two countries. It made two stops in the Philippines, one in Manila and the other in Clark City.

NGA 911 LLC, which came into the country in 2018 to explore the introduction of cutting edge public safety solutions that is the standard in the US and Europe, already has its NGA 911 technology in place in next-generation advanced command centers put up in Morong, Rizal; Alaminos City, Pangasinan and Cagayan de Oro City.

Other LGUs like Cebu City and others in key cities are following soon, as more LGUs heed the mandate of the Executive Order 56 to institutionalize 911 as the nationwide emergency hotline and create a unified national emergency system using next generation, advanced technology.

SM Prime leads sustainable development, integrating sustainability into its core business strategy.

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Sustainability has become a driving force across every industry. For SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of Asia’s leading integrated property developers, sustainability is elevated through a strategic framework that leverages the company’s extensive operations, significant economic impact, and cultural influence.

SM Prime’s sustainability journey began in the 1990s, focusing on resilience and practicality. The company has always valued substance over style, favoring strategies grounded on real-world application rather than flashy, short-term fixes.  Its strategy is built on what truly matters to the business and the community it serves, ensuring that its sustainability efforts are both effective and enduring.

In its 2023 Annual Integrated Report, SM Prime introduced its Sustainability Ambition Roadmap with a clear and powerful message: Together for a sustainable future – aligned with its vision of creating and managing innovative, sustainable, and integrated property developments that enhance the quality of life for all.

SM Prime’s sustainability strategy is built on three main goals: (1) Environmental sustainability, (2) Prosperity for all, and (3) Climate resilience.

Building on its sustainability framework of Economy, People, Planet, and Community, SM Prime identified three major goals to pursue: Environmental sustainability, Prosperity for all, and Climate resilience – all aimed to create a future marked by sustainability, resilience, and widespread prosperity by 2030, 2040, and beyond.

Under its environmental sustainability strategy are two significant programs released by the company:  Net Zero by 2040 and #SMWasteFreeFuture.

Net Zero by 2040

SM Prime is committed to enhancing people’s quality of life by intensifying climate action, reducing disaster risks, investing in resilient design, protecting biodiversity, and implementing strategic corporate social responsibility programs, with its main focus on climate action toward a net-zero business. The company has been collaborating with the World-Wide Fund (WWF) for Nature-Philippines to establish science-based targets in alignment with the global commitment of a net-zero ambition by 2050.

“We understand the magnitude of the challenges we face to achieve our Net-Zero commitment. SM Prime is determined to take action and meet its climate commitments. This is one of our top agendas in sustainability,” said Jeffrey C. Lim, SM Prime President and CEO.  

SM City Santa Rosa’s solar photovoltaic (PV) system has 5,772 panels at 3.088 MWp capacity and has an annual solar energy production of up to 4.292GWh.

#SMWasteFreeFuture

SM Prime launched its vision for an #SMWasteFreeFuture, in support of the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) International Day of Zero Waste. The program introduces a simple segregation scheme: Recyclable, Disposable, and Compostable (RDC), all aimed at reducing overall waste generation and increasing the waste diversion rate from landfills through sustainable disposal methods. The initiative was launched nationwide for SM employees and across all SM property groups and stakeholders.

SM Prime continues to support existing programs and partnerships that promote better waste management solutions. Initiatives such as SM Supermalls’ Trash-to-Cash recycling market, Plastic Waste Collection and E-Waste Collection programs, and regular coastal and estero clean-up activities effectively engage the community in rethinking their relationship with waste.

To address food waste, SM Hotels and Convention Corporation (SMHCC) has pioneered projects such as The Sustainable Diner with WWF-PH, diverting 198,640 kg of food waste through bokashi composting and 40,013 kg through biodigesters. SMHCC also launched Tela Tales, a program that recycles condemned linens. 

SM Prime gathers the community for a #SMWasteFreeFuture.

SM Development Corporation (SMDC) recently partnered with Globe and Scholars of Sustenance Philippines for the Hapag Movement, aimed at targeting food waste and involuntary hunger affecting millions of Filipinos. “As a community, we strongly believe in our ability to contribute to solving today’s waste issues. We understand that this may seem like a daunting challenge to overcome. However, by joining forces, we can create a world that our future generations truly deserve – if we have the courage to take on this journey together,” said Hans “Chico” Sy, Jr., President of SM Engineering Design and Development Corporation (SMEDD) and SM sustainability champion. 

Water Stewardship

SM Prime is committed to water stewardship by implementing innovative water conservation and management practices, ensuring that properties developed are more responsive and adaptable to the changing needs of communities.

Through its sewage water treatment plants, wastewater is processed, preventing contaminated water from polluting local waterways and for reuse. The recycled water is utilized in malls for water closet flushing, air conditioning operations and landscape greening.

SM City Baguio’s Rainwater Filtration Facility addresses water security and ensures a safe and sufficient water supply for the operations of the mall and its tenants.

SM Prime Holdings, Inc.’s Chairman Henry T. Sy, Jr. receives SM Prime’s 30th Listing Anniversary Plaque from the Philippine Stock Exchange’s President and CEO Ramon S. Monzon.

Prosperity for all

SM Prime’s developments serve as catalysts for socio-economic progress, delivering tangible benefits to all stakeholders. Founded by Henry Sy, the company remains committed to his vision of bringing world-class developments to the Philippines. A vision perfectly exemplified through the Mall of Asia Complex which offers a blueprint for future cities that go beyond commercial success to embrace a holistic approach to urban development.

SM Prime celebrated its 30th year as a publicly listed company last July 23, signifying three decades of service and transformative growth in the Philippine real estate industry.

“A solid dedication to collective success marks true leadership. Our journey at SM Prime demonstrates the power of dreaming big and the incredible achievements that follow when you pursue those dreams with determination and hard work.” – JEFFREY C. LIM, SM PRIME PRESIDENT AND CEO

PLDT Global, U.S.-based Next Generation Advanced 911 bring advanced emergency communications system to PH

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PLDT Global Corporation (PLDT Global) is enabling United States-based technology solutions provider Next Generation Advanced 911 (NGA 911) to help boost emergency response systems in the Philippines with advanced technology, delivered through the nationwide PLDT network infrastructure. PLDT Global is the international unit of PLDT Inc.  

Under the partnership, NGA 911 will be able to provide its NG9-1-1 solution to Philippine customers like LGUs and public safety teams. NG9-1-1 is an IP-based emergency communications system that aims to improve emergency response by enabling callers to send text, photos, and videos to 911 centers, as well as receive real-time data on the location and status of responders. With NG9-1-1, responders can gain access to precise and comprehensive information regarding emergency situations, leading to expedited and enhanced response capabilities.

“We are excited to partner with PLDT Global to bring the NG9-1-1 platform to the Philippines,” says Don Ferguson, CEO of NGA 911. “NG9-1-1 will transform the practice of emergency communications and response in the Philippines. We have delivered this solution to public safety agencies across the United States.  Soon, Philippine customers can gain access to NGA 911’s advanced emergency communication technologies that are currently only available in the United States. We look forward to working with PLDT Global to make this a reality.”

“With PLDT’s extensive network and digital expertise, we hope to make this technology accessible to Filipinos and create an opportunity for the Philippines to be a 911 hub in Asia,” says Roselle Dela Cruz, Vice President – Americas and EMEA of PLDT Global.

Apart from servicing the needs of overseas Filipinos, PLDT Global is also committed to bringing international solutions to the Philippines. This opens more opportunities for the country to deliver the technology needs of the global market, by leveraging on the PLDT group’s digital infrastructure.

“We are here to provide innovative platforms to our global network of carriers and enterprise customers, linking them to potential clients who might need their services not only overseas, but also in the Philippines. Through this partnership, we hope to deliver world-class next-generation 911 services to local public safety agencies and emergency responders,” says Albert Villa-Real, PLDT Global President and CEO.

  (Left) Albert Villa-Real, President and CEO at PLDT Global Corporation and (Right) Don Ferguson, CEO and Co-Founder at NGA 911.png

Photo: (Left) Albert Villa-Real, President and CEO at PLDT Global Corporation and (Right) Don Ferguson, CEO and Co-Founder at NGA 911

This PLDT Global initiative contributes to PLDT’s broader goal of enabling the Philippines’ digital infrastructure and boosting its ambition to become the hyperscaler hub of the region and a key destination for digital transformation and investment.

For more information, visit www.nga911.ph