Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has initiated a comprehensive review of the city's 911 emergency hotline system, aiming to potentially redirect millions in annual funding toward modernizing police mobility with electric vehicles.
Potential Savings from Emergency System Shift
During the recent 4th Quarter City Peace and Order Council meeting at the Legislative Building, Mayor Archival revealed startling financial figures about the current emergency system. The city currently spends between P1 million and P2 million monthly on its local 911 service, accumulating to approximately P12 million annually.
Archival highlighted the significant cost difference, noting that the Department of the Interior and Local Government offers its Unified 911 system completely free to local governments. "Right now, the City is paying up to P2 million each month for a service that DILG provides for free," the mayor stated during the council meeting.
Funding Electric Police Fleet
The potential savings could revolutionize Cebu City's law enforcement capabilities. Mayor Archival has directed the secretariat to coordinate with DILG 7 Director Leocadio Trovela and other relevant agencies to explore integrating the city's system with the national hub.
If the transition proves feasible, the city government plans to reallocate funds toward purchasing 25 electric patrol cars and 25 motorcycles. An initial allocation of P12 million may come from the disaster fund, signaling Cebu City's commitment to modern, environmentally friendly police operations.
Regional Emergency Response Integration
The DILG Unified 911 hub, launched in the Visayas on October 25, 2025, consolidates multiple emergency services including police, fire, medical, and disaster assistance under one coordinated network. The Visayas Regional Command Center, located at PLDT Osmeña Blvd. office in Cebu City, serves as the central coordination point for all emergencies in Central Visayas.
Cebu City has been a pioneer in emergency response systems, becoming the first in the Visayas to establish its own 911 Emergency Command Center on September 30, 2024. The center operates under the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. Integration with the DILG system would connect the city's local service to the broader national network, ensuring faster and more coordinated emergency responses across the region.
The move represents a strategic shift toward both fiscal responsibility and technological advancement in public safety services, potentially setting a precedent for other local government units in the Philippines.
