Long before the BFP brought Unified 911’s UPCAD system into use, emergency response relied entirely on voice-only radio frequencies — constantly hindered by poor reception, dead zones, and overloaded telephone lines.
Without clear visibility, dispatchers had to work with vague, panic-driven descriptions from those in need, leaving them with zero real-time insight into the actual situation. Exact incident locations and changing on-ground conditions were impossible to confirm — it was all just guesswork.
This was how Fire Senior Inspector (FSINSP) Jeramile C. Valdez, Chief of Fire Communication Operations Section of the Quezon City Fire District, described the BFP’s emergency response operations before the adoption of the cutting-edge communication tools and technology provided by Unified 911.
“In the past we lacked a shared platform with the local government unit (LGU) and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) so coordinating cross-agency assets like traffic control or city water tankers required tedious phone calls that created critical operational delays. But when the BFP switched to the UPCAD system in early 2026 dramatic operational and dispatch improvements happened,” FSINSP Valdez noted.
UPCAD is the Philippine government’s next-generation mission-critical technology for emergency response that integrates local 911 call centers with field responders to deliver real-time data exchange, multimedia communication and precise geolocation tracking.
“UPCAD transformed our workflow by replacing guesswork with precise, real-time data that significantly cuts down our turnout and response times. The platform automatically pins a caller's exact GPS location while allowing our dispatchers to receive live text, photos, and video feeds directly from the scene before the trucks even roll out. This instant situational awareness allows us to dynamically map out the fastest routes around urban traffic and deploy the exact specialized equipment needed the moment we arrive,” FSINSP Valdez said.
The BFP logistics head praised the seamless inter-agency collaboration that is the hallmark of UPCAD and the cutting-edge technology provided by NGA 911 Philippines to the Unified 911 system.
“Having a wide-coverage, unified network creates a single operational picture that bridges the gap between the BFP, the LGU and disaster response units like the CDRRMO. The moment an incident is logged, the LGU’s traffic and security forces are able to see the same data so we can immediately clear gridlocked roads, establish outer cordons, and prepare evacuation shelters ahead of time. This digital interoperability cuts out administrative red tape and allows us to request for heavy city machinery or asset support, directly through the platform, while actively fighting a fire,” Valdez added.
Addressing mayors and DRRMO heads in a message, he said “upgrading to UPCAD is not just buying software; it is a vital investment in your city's survival. In public safety, every second spent navigating a communication blind spot or a traffic jam directly costs lives and millions in property damage. By bringing the BFP, LGU, and national emergency lines onto a single next-generation platform, you give your frontline responders the exact tools they need to make your community a resilient, data-driven smart city.”
UPCAD acts as the backend and dispatch engine for public safety officials and directly supports the existing Emergency 911 National Hotline (which can be reached by dialing 911 toll-free). “By providing precise geolocation and streamlined data sharing, emergency calls are routed and dispatched to the nearest available first responders much faster,” FSINSP Valdez told LGU officials.
Key UPCAD emergency response features include unified command that connects fire, police and 911 departments into a single communication networks; field technology that empowers first responders on the ground with robust, highly durable smartphones, feature phones and tablets; and enhanced coordination that bridges voice collaboration, digital workflows and mission-critical video to ensure that vital information is not lost during high-pressure crises or natural disasters.
The national rollout of UPCAD — implemented last January in close partnership with DILG, NGA Philippines and PLDT — has brought a powerful transformation to emergency operations, empowering BFP teams, medical services and LGUs to serve communities better than ever!
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