Iloilo City Enhances Security and Emergency Response with Integrated Surveillance System

ILOILO CITY, October 6, 2023 – The Iloilo City Government is taking a significant leap forward in bolstering its security and emergency response capabilities with the integration of barangays’ closed-circuit television cameras (CCTVs) into the state-of-the-art Iloilo City Action and Response (ICARE) Command Center.

Donna Magno, the head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), revealed that discussions are underway with city barangay officials to facilitate the integration of high-end CCTVs into the ICARE Command Center. This move aims to create a comprehensive surveillance network across the metropolis, ensuring fast and efficient emergency response and monitoring.

While many barangays in the city already have CCTV systems in place, some are of low quality and inadequately maintained. The integration of high-end security cameras from each barangay into the command center will effectively place “eyes” throughout the city, improving overall security and safety.

The ICARE Command Center currently boasts 102 security monitors primarily situated in City Proper, Diversion Road, major thoroughfares, and waterways. Phase 1 of the project, with a total of 176 CCTVs, is currently open for bidding. The ICARE initiative aligns with Mayor Jerry P. Treñas’s roadmap for good governance, “W.H.E.E.L.S (Welfare, Health, Education, Environment, Livelihood, Sustainability) for Inclusive Development,” with a vision to create a more resilient metropolis.

Aside from the central command center, satellite centers in barangays Balantang and Ungka in Jaro, Calumpang in Molo, and So-oc in Arevalo are already functional. Additional ICARE centers are under construction in Nabitasan (La Paz), Megaworld (Mandurriao), and Tanza Esperanza (City Proper). The city also has plans to establish more ICARE centers in Tap-oc (Mandurriao), the CPU area, Balabago (Jaro), and Bo. Obrero (La Paz).

These ICARE centers serve as integral hubs for emergency safety and disaster management services, bringing crucial assistance closer to the people. Mayor Treñas commended the unique nature of these centers, housing frontline offices like the PNP, BFP, CDRRMO, and PSTMO, all under one roof.

Mayor Treñas also acknowledged the vital role of the private sector in making this initiative a reality. He stated, “The city spent for all the centers and partnered with the private sector for some of the lots… I have learned from experience that the private sector will always support the efforts of the LGU to make the city more resilient as it will benefit everyone.”