Ilocos Norte to adapt 911 emergency hotline

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte - In support to President Rodrigo Duterte's fight against crime and corruption, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte will localize the nationwide 911 hotline this month, according to Gov. Imee Marcos.

In her State of the Province Address, Marcos announced the establishment of Ilocos Norte’s own emergency response center.

“Ayon sa pangulo, lahat tayo kailangan magkaroon rin ng 911 hotline na ang reresponde tulad ng Davao City ay ang pulis, firetruck at ambulansya,” said Marcos.

Wilfredo Lorenzo Jr., Officer-in-charge of the Provincial Information Technology Office, said they are currently coordinating with national agencies including the National Telecommunications Commission and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

They are also seeking the assistance of telecommunication companies in running the hotline effectively.

As part of their preparations, a training for emergency responders was recently held, said Lorenzo.

“The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management and Resiliency Council conducted training for the responders which comprise of police officers, health care providers, and search and rescue team," he said.

Marcos said the hotline will include assistance to senior citizens, especially those who reside alone and in far-flung areas.
 
“Dapat my back up din ang 911 na ‘Saguip Seniors,’ mga senyoritas at senyoritos na nag-iisa na, malayo at walang nag-aalaga. Laging nadadali sa bagyo ang lola at lolo," Marcos said.

She further urged the Ilocano youth to “sign-up for your lola duty.”

The nationwide 24-hour hotlines for citizen complaints (8888) and emergencies (911) were made accessible last August.