Bustos becomes first LGU in Region 3 with US-grade 911 emergency system

Bustos in Bulacan province has made history as the first local government unit in Region 3 to be equipped with the same high-technology public safety communication system used across the United States and Europe.

On April 21, Mayor Francis Albert Juan inaugurated the Bustos Command Center, a facility that now places the municipality at the forefront of emergency response in Central Luzon. National E911 Office Executive Director Francis Fajardo described the development as a “godsend” not only for Bustos but for the entire region.

Operated by LGU-trained call handlers and 24/7 E911 operators, the command center is equipped with advanced monitoring systems and emergency dispatch tools. According to Fajardo, the cutting-edge system can determine the precise location and identity of callers, eliminate prank calls, integrate with other communication platforms, and ensure quick dispatch to emergency scenes.

“This kind of system is widely used in the most developed countries,” said Fajardo. “It enables local governments to accurately respond to multiple emergencies simultaneously, significantly raising the standard for public safety.”

Fajardo also praised Mayor Juan for his commitment to innovation. “Young local officials like Mayor Juan are forward-looking and always open to innovation,” he said. “They will provide a lifeline to all Filipinos.”

The inauguration aligns with the Department of Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) initiative under Secretary Johnvic Remulla, who has prioritized a unified 911 system nationwide. The goal: a highly reliable and flexible platform for emergency information handling. Bustos is one of the first LGUs to fully respond to this call.

Mayor Juan shared that the project was the realization of a long-standing goal. “This has been my dream even as a barangay captain—to deliver efficient public service and offer hope to our citizens,” he said. “Now, once you’re in Bustos, just dial 911 and we will respond—whether it’s fire, crime, or vehicular accidents.”

Mayor Juan noted that vehicular accidents remain the most frequent type of emergency call—a trend shared by other LGUs and consistent with data from the Department of Transportation.

The launch of Bustos’ command center also supports the national government’s disaster preparedness agenda, emphasized by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who has consistently called for science-based local response systems and greater community resilience.