The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has urged the public to make the Unified 911 Emergency Hotline an essential part of their disaster preparedness, noting that timely reporting can save lives and prevent emergencies from worsening.

Through the Unified 911 Hotline, the public can immediately connect with police, fire, medical, and rescue services using a single nationwide number, reducing delays, and improving coordination when every second counts.

As the country observes National Disaster Resilience Month, the DILG said resilience is not built through infrastructure and government response alone. It also depends on citizens knowing what to do and acting quickly when emergencies occur.

“Preparedness begins with knowing where to call during emergencies. Unified 911 empowers every Filipino to become an active partner in saving lives and strengthening community resilience,” a news release from the DILG said Tuesday.

Launched in 2025 under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Unified 911 forms part of the government’s efforts to modernize emergency response and build safer and more resilient communities.

The hotline is designed to provide faster and more coordinated assistance during typhoons, fires, accidents, medical emergencies, violent incidents, and other situations requiring immediate intervention.

Since its launch, the system has accommodated almost 12 million calls nationwide, reflecting increased public awareness of the hotline and the importance of timely emergency reporting.

Recent incidents have shown how prompt calls to Unified 911 can help responders save lives and limit further harm.

The DILG said disaster resilience is a shared responsibility between government and the public. While government agencies continue to strengthen emergency response capabilities, citizens are encouraged to familiarize themselves with Unified 911, remain calm when making a report, provide accurate information, and use the hotline responsibly. (PNA)