Davao: The Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO)-Central 911 welcomed its newest batch of 25 responders to boost the city's emergency response.

According to Philippines News Agency, Alfredo Baloran, head of CDRRMO, emphasized the seriousness of the mission, noting that emergency response is a calling to preserve life. The new graduates include 20 emergency medical services (EMS) personnel and 5 emergency medical technicians (EMTs).

Baloran highlighted the noble nature of the EMS work, underscoring that it involves life-saving from the scene to hospitals. He announced that the new batch will be deployed immediately to enhance the city's emergency response capacity, with additional training batches planned for February. Recruitment efforts are ongoing for EMS and EMTs, as well as for urban search-and-rescue teams, fire brigade personnel, and emergency call dispatchers.

Central 911 provides essential emergency response services, including medical assistance, search and rescue, fire auxiliary, and K-9 services for residents. It was officially launched on September 27, 2002, to reduce crime incidents in the city and has since become a centralized system connecting residents with emergency responders.

Currently, Central 911 plans to establish two more substations in barangays Lasang and Malabog, which will be equipped with EMS, fire trucks, and urban search-and-rescue personnel. The organization is recognized as a Hall of Fame awardee for Best Government Emergency Management and Response Team in the country during the 22nd GAWAD KALASAG Special Awards of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in 2024.