SP approves ‘Bacolod 911’ ordinance

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The Sangguniang Panlungsod unanimously approved the creation of the Bacolod 911 and the establishment of the Medical Emergency Response Center.

Ordinance No. 970, authored by Councilor Israel Salanga, aims to improve public safety and emergency response that calls for a centralized system to further increase the survival rate of constituents in the face of emergency situations.

It also aims to address peace and order concerns and set up mechanisms by providing a clear command structure for responsibility and accessibility, and to encourage and facilitate the prompt deployment of seamless emergency services.

The approved ordinance will designate “911” as the primary number for all emergency, medical, calamity, disaster, and peace and order concerns, Salanga said in a press release from the city Dec. 6.

The Bacolod City Government Center | Stephen Tan photo

The Bacolod Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office shall spearhead efforts to make “911” calls from Bacolod City free to encourage indigent residents to use the service.

A medical and emergency response center will be created by the DRRMO as the only agency that will answer all 911 calls, the ordinance stated.

The DRRMO will then dispatch the response team needed by coordinating with a volunteer group or a government agency nearest the area of incident, calamity, or disaster.

The center will utilize a digital database that will store essential information from every distress call and shall work closely with all Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council members to encourage the use of 911 in cases of emergency and peace and order concerns. | NND