Archival shows interest in 'Smart City Hub' app

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival expressed interest in a proposed city-wide smart emergency response system from a private entity.

Guardian PH App President and Chief Executive Officer Cloyd Dedicatoria paid a courtesy visit on Archival concerning the implementation of a city-wide smart emergency response system.

During the visit, Dedicatoria unveiled plans for a “Smart City Hub” — a centralized platform that would link all barangays and neighboring metro areas through an integrated mobile application and command center.

The initiative aims to significantly reduce emergency response times and enhance coordination among first responders.

At the heart of the proposal is the Guardian PH App, a free mobile application that would empower citizens to report emergencies such as accidents, fires, or medical incidents directly from their smartphones.

These reports would be routed to a centralized call center, enabling faster deployment of emergency services.

Archival, a long-time advocate of tech-driven governance, welcomed the proposal.

Archival said that it aligned with his administration’s smart city infrastructure plans.

The mayor, in a City Public Information Office report,  pointed out the importance of innovation in improving public safety and service delivery.

Guardian PH also intends to collaborate with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and neighboring local government units (LGUs) to ensure the system’s seamless rollout and sustainability.

The company emphasized the importance of inter-agency coordination in building a resilient and responsive emergency network.

The proposed Smart City Hub is expected to undergo further evaluation and planning with stakeholders optimistic about its potential to transform how Cebu City handles emergencies.

Back in May of this year, the Department of Interior and Local Government has also announced that the Unified 911 Emergency System will officially go live this month in the National Capital Region (NCR), Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and Regions 1 and 7.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said that the national emergency response system will be powered by cutting-edge technology and will be expanded to other regions.

Meanwhile, the municipality of San Fernando marked the National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) by conducting its first-ever complex incident management simulation exercise yesterday.

The observance of the NDRM throughout the country aims to spread awareness and to strengthen national resilience against disasters.

The event kicked off with a motorcade and was followed by the simulation exercise.

“Yes, First time siya in the sense nga talking about inter-agency approach,” said Jan Gregorie Mendaros, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) designate.

Participants included MDRRMO, Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and other frontline departments and offices. CNU Intern Gwyneth Lynn Geonzon, JG (CEBU NEWS)