Baricuatro welcomes launching of Unified 911 in Cebu

CEBU—Cebu governor Pamela Baricuatro welcomed the launching of the first Regional Command Center System of the new Unified 911 on October 25, at the PLDT-Jones Office in Cebu City, highlighting the significance of the Unified 911 system describing it as a symbol of coordination and preparedness.

“As Governor, I welcome this initiative, reminding everyone of the promise that someone will always answer the call for help,” Baricuatro said.  The Unified 911 system is described as a means to ensure faster response, clear communication, and a stronger connection between front liners, LGU, and the people, she added.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), with its attached agencies, launched the modernized Unified 911 system in September 2025 at the National Command Center (NCC), temporarily housed at the PLDT Building in Sampaloc, Manila.

As part of its nationwide rollout, Regional and Satellite Command Centers will be established across the country to make emergency services more responsive and language-inclusive. The first Visayas Regional Command Center, located at the PLDT-Jones Office in Cebu City, marks a major milestone in enhancing the government’s capacity to deliver fast, coordinated, and lifesaving emergency response services.

Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) director Jesus Fernandez described the launching as a wonderful moment for public safety and emergency preparedness in Cebu and the entire Visayas region.  The unified 911, Cebu satellite command center is more than just a center of operations. This facility represents the future of emergency management that is more connected, efficient and resilient, Fernandez said in his message at the event.

“It aligns Cebu with global standards for rapid, coordinated and effective crisis intervention. The integration of police, fire, medical and rescue services under one unified system will definitely reduce response time and ensure that resources are deployed faster smarter,” Fernandez added.

PNP Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez also emphasized the importance of the unified 911 Cebu satellite command center for public safety and emergency preparedness in Cebu and the entire Visayas region.

“The facility is described as a future-oriented emergency management system that is more connected, efficient, and resilient, aligning with global standards for rapid crisis intervention. The integration of police, fire, medical, and rescue services under one unified system is expected to reduce response times and ensure smarter deployment of resources,” Nartatez explained, highlighting the significance of the center in ensuring faster and more effective emergency response.

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla on the other hand, outlined the next steps, including the implementation of 911 services, vehicles, ambulances, and fire trucks.

“The vision includes the deployment of long-range drones for 24/7 patrols in various cities, including Metro Manila, Cebu, and others.”  He also bared future plans and technological advancements including the introduction of Sky Net, which features long-range drones patrolling the skies.

The drones will be operational 24/7, seven days a week, and will respond quickly to 911 calls. The drones will take photos and ensure the safety of the public, marking a significant technological advancement.  This initiative is presented as a corruption-free system aimed at benefiting the entire Philippines, Remulla said. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

PLDT’s Ebiznovation program transforms MSME biz in Visayas

CEBU CITY – Over 200 MSMEs, farmers in Visayas transform businesses with Artificial Intelligence (AI) with PLDT Enterprise and Smart Communications, Inc.’s comprehensive Ebiznovation training program in partnerships with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and other agencies providing them the necessary digital tools to make business more efficient and profitable.

"These initiatives represent our commitment to ensuring that every Filipino entrepreneur has access to the digital tools and knowledge they need to compete in today's economy. Our partnerships with DTI and other agencies have allowed us to reach over 200 small businesses across the Visayas, but more importantly, we're creating a multiplier effect where trained entrepreneurs become advocates in their own communities,” said Jinky Francisco, PLDT Enterprise SMBiz Visayas and Mindanao Head.

From the Shop and Ship Caravan in Cebu to the Tech Connect: MSME Power Up programs organized by PLDT Enterprise in Eastern Visayas, these strategic partnerships with government agencies and tech companies come at a pivotal moment when small businesses need not just internet connectivity, but the knowledge and confidence to leverage digital tools for growth.

Dino Mirafuentes runs a small organic farm in Ormoc City, Leyte, where he raises chickens for eggs, rabbits for meat, and grows vegetables using black soldier fly larvae as natural fertilizer.

But when the 28-year-old farmer-entrepreneur posts about his farm on Facebook, he doesn't worry about typos anymore. He uses generative AI to polish his social media content and to design professional-looking labels for his products.

"I was conscious about spelling errors and grammar when making posts," shares Mirafuentes, who runs an integrated organic farm. "So why not use the resources that are available that can help my business? With AI tools, I'm more confident in my output."

Digital Training Across Cebu Province

Over 90 small businesses participated in the Shop and Ship Caravan held by TikTok Shop Philippines, J&T Express, DTI Cebu Province, PLDT Enterprise and Smart. The program focused on enhancing digital literacy and online selling, providing entrepreneurs with practical skills to navigate online marketplaces.

"It's so important to keep up with digitalization today, and as a business owner, I really appreciate this kind of activity. These practical tips and strategies for using AI tools to market our products and grow our presence online are especially helpful for start-ups or for small businesses." said Milody Dimansillo-Alcuitas, owner of Mil Dim Handcrafted Creations in Carcar City.

The momentum continued in Toledo City, where over 30 MSMEs learned from the MSME Digitalization Caravan organized by DTI Cebu and powered by PLDT Enterprise, Smart and Maya Philippines Inc., which addressed critical areas including AI tool integration, cybersecurity practices, and digital payment solutions.

Bringing AI Training to Rural Communities

The impact expanded eastward through "Tech Connect: MSME Power Up," a three-leg digital upskilling series organized by PLDT Enterprise and Smart in partnership with DTI Leyte and DTI Southern Leyte. Over 100 MSMEs from Ormoc City, Sogod, and Maasin City discovered how AI could streamline their operations, from social media marketing to content creation.

For Mirafuentes, whose farm is DTI-accredited with complete business registrations, the training validated his instinctive adoption of digital tools. "Before the training, I was too conscious when I made posts using generative AI tools. With this training, I was enlightened that it's okay to use AI as long as it is used correctly."

This comprehensive approach, combining AI literacy, cybersecurity awareness, e-commerce skills, and digital payment systems, addresses the full spectrum of challenges facing small businesses today. As participants gain confidence in using these tools, they become advocates and teachers within their communities, who are able to transfer the knowledge and upskill even more people. (Photos: PLDT/Smart)

 

 

Apo Island receives School-in-a-Bag from Smart

APO ISLAND – Apo Elementary School in Apo Island, Negros Oriental, one of the Philippines’ last mile schools, received from PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) the School-in-a-Bag (SIAB) innovative learning package to give students and teachers access to digital tools and innovative educational content.

“As a technology company, we believe that we are among the key players in closing the digital divide, especially in education. Through our SIAB program, we are ensuring that children in remote communities like Apo Island will have access to the same digital learning tools as their counterparts in urban areas,” Marylou Gocotano, Visayas Relations Head of PLDT and Smart Stakeholder Management Team said.

The learning package included a laptop, tablets, Smart LTE pocket WiFi devices with load allocation, and pre-downloaded learning materials such as contextualized Learning Activity Sheets (LAS) and 10 #LearnSmart apps that teach literacy and numeracy in various local languages.

Anna Lyn Abella, School Head of Apo Elementary School thanked PLDT/Smart for choosing Apo Elementary School as a beneficiary of SIAB, saying this augments well the learning journey of both teachers and learners, especially with the readily available gadgets and learning materials.

“The SIAB will also prove useful whenever there is an unexpected suspension of in-person classes due to disasters or calamities.  The school is located 7km off the southeastern tip of Negros Oriental,” she added.

Since its launch, PLDT and Smart have deployed more than 650 SIABs across the country, benefitting thousands of students and teachers in far-flung areas, and has supported asynchronous learning.

This highlights the PLDT Group’s #NoLearnerLeftBehind advocacy and is part of its wider commitment to help the Philippines achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals on Quality Education. (PR/Photos: PLDT/Smart)