Davao City’s Central 911 has marked its 24th anniversary, continuing its round-the-clock emergency response services for residents and communities across the city.
The emergency response system celebrated the milestone on September 27, 24 years after it was formally launched in 2002. It provides free assistance for medical emergencies, fires, search-and-rescue operations and other urgent situations.
Since its establishment, Central 911 has expanded beyond its original operations and developed specialized units for different types of emergencies. These include the Emergency Calls Answering Point and Dispatch, Emergency Medical Dispatch, Emergency Medical Services, Urban Search and Rescue, and Fire Auxiliary Services.
The system has also expanded its reach through satellite substations in Baganihan, Toril, Calinan and Indangan. Another station is being developed in Paquibato District to bring emergency services closer to communities located farther from the city center.
As of September 2026, Central 911 had logged 356,100 calls, reflecting the volume of emergency requests handled by the system over the years.
Its Urban Search and Rescue team has also responded to emergencies outside Davao City. Among its deployments were search-and-rescue operations in the Visayas following Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, as well as humanitarian and disaster-relief assistance in Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Surigao and Cotabato.
Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head Alfredo Baloran said the city remains committed to maintaining free and immediate emergency assistance for residents. He also urged the public to cooperate with responders during emergencies to help ensure that assistance can be delivered as quickly and effectively as possible.
Central 911 was initially developed as a local emergency response initiative and later became a model for the national Emergency Hotline 911, which was launched in 2016.
The system now serves as a centralized link between residents requesting assistance and emergency responders, coordinating medical response, fire suppression, search and rescue, and other public-safety services.
After 24 years, Central 911 continues to operate 24 hours a day, providing Dabawenyos with a dedicated emergency lifeline while expanding its facilities and specialized response capabilities across the city.
