Davao City still enjoys the distinction of being the only city in the Philippines with an emergency response center available on call 24 hours a day. Just dial 911 on any landline or mobile phone (toll free) in case of emergency.
Recently, the Davao City 911 Emergency Response Center opened a new operations hub in the south — a stone’s throw away from where I live, in fact. The new center used to be a public market. And, for the life of me, I cannot fathom why the city government back in the ’80s decided to put a wet market in the middle of a residential district. Needless to say, it was a terrible idea. I’m glad that the city has found a much better use of the facility.
Here are some photos I asked Chattee Lara to take of the new center located in Juna Subdivision, Matina.
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- Emergency Response Center
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- Always at the ready
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- Emergency services
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- Patrol car
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- Ambulances and firetrucks
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- Insignia
From their new base in Matina, these are the city’s services that will respond to emergency situations anywhere in the city: Emergency Medical Service, Urban Search & Rescue, Fire Auxiliary Service, and the K-9 Service.
I heard from somebody that you have to dial *911 when using your mobile. I haven’t tried it though.
911 is very nice. I wonder why the other cities are late to catch up.
I dialled 911 before on my mobile and it went through. I’m on Smart. I’m not sure about the other mobile networks, but I think it’s “911″ for everyone…
this is good news! mas malapit na ang response center sa South!
This is really good news for Davao! I have visited the main 911 Center, but was unaware of this new emergency response center. Davao is really at the forefront of emergency services in the Philippines!
that’s great – a stone’s throw from the house!
we have something similar to this too here in zambo. we just dial 117.
nationwide yang 117..911 is locally funded..its practically more advance than 117 in terms of everything…only one in the philippines…thanks
Hi Blogie,
I witnessed an accident that took place outside ADDU Matina Campus, which is near 911 Emergency Response Center, some time in August 2009, but its rescue team came almost half an hour. You may want to do a test case on this so you’ll know how fast 911 in Davao can dispatch its rescue. I’ll show you the video when I get back to Davao some time soon. Keep you posted!
Hi there! That is certainly disconcerting to know. However, let’s not find fault with them right away. For one thing, the accident might not have been reported immediately, right? We don’t know everything that happened… But thanks for your observation just the same.