Modern emergency response system incorporating artificial intelligence for enhanced public safety proposed in Davao City Council
**Modernizing Davao City's Emergency System and Strengthening Public Safety Measures**
In a bid to improve emergency response and enhance public safety in Davao City, Councilor Bonz Andre Militar has proposed a series of modernizations and initiatives. At the heart of this plan is a digital, GPS-enabled, and geospatially integrated emergency system.
The proposed system will leverage advanced technologies such as AI and machine learning to streamline emergency response, enhance operational efficiency, and prioritize genuine emergencies. Key features include:
1. **Digital, GPS-enabled, and Geospatially Integrated Platforms**: By integrating digital, GPS, and geospatial technologies, the system will improve emergency response efficiency. This will involve mapping public areas and vital infrastructure, enabling real-time tracking of emergency responders, and facilitating quicker response times.
2. **Advanced Filtering for Prank Calls**: Integrating AI-powered call analysis and machine learning algorithms into the 911 call center will help identify and eliminate prank calls, ensuring that genuine emergencies receive priority.
3. **AI for Emergency Response**: AI will be utilized to analyze data, predict potential emergencies, and optimize response strategies. This will help prioritize emergency calls based on urgency and resource availability.
In addition to modernizing the emergency system, Militar's proposals aim to strengthen public safety measures. These include:
1. **AI Facial Recognition Technology for Border Control**: While not directly related to the emergency system, AI facial recognition technology could be integrated into border control systems to enhance security. This would involve establishing legal guidelines, technical setup, and training to prevent misuse.
2. **Enhanced Public Awareness and Education**: Public awareness campaigns will be launched to educate citizens on the proper use of emergency services and the importance of not making prank calls.
To bring these proposals to fruition, Militar plans to draft an ordinance that will pave the way for these modernizations. This ordinance will include provisions for funding, technology integration, and regulatory oversight. Collaboration with local technology companies, emergency response teams, and community leaders will be crucial to ensure the system is tailored to Davao City's specific needs and challenges.
Training and capacity building for emergency responders will also be essential to ensure a seamless transition. Penalties for offenses related to prank calls and non-emergency use of the 911 system will also be implemented.
With these initiatives, Davao City stands to significantly enhance its emergency response capabilities and public safety measures. The modernized system is expected to reduce emergency response times, potentially saving more lives. AI facial recognition technology will also play a crucial role in law enforcement, allowing authorities to trace individuals on wanted lists and alert safety and security agencies in real time.
Militar, who chairs the committee on information technology, has already met with Acting Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte and CDRRMO head Alfredo Baluran to discuss these proposals. With the support of the city's leadership and the community, Davao City is one step closer to a more secure and efficient emergency response system.
[1] Source: Davao City Councilor Bonz Andre Militar's Office, Press Release, June 17, 2025. [2] Davao City's Central 911 reports receiving around 1,000 calls daily, but only about 100 of them are legitimate emergency calls. (Davao City Central 911, Internal Report, May 2025).
- Councilor Bonz Andre Militar's proposed policy-and-legislation in Davao City includes the integration of artificial-intelligence in the city's Central 911 call center to filter prank calls and prioritize genuine emergencies.
- To strengthen public safety measures, Militar's proposals aim to incorporate artificial-intelligence-powered facial recognition technology for Davao City's border control systems, alongside regulations and training to prevent misuse.
- In the realm of general-news, this modernization and integration of technology in Davao City's emergency systems and public safety measures, particularly the use of artificial-intelligence, are generating interest and discussion within the city's political sphere.
