The Davao City Council has approved on second reading an ordinance introducing the “Davao Smart Emergency Response and Locator System-Computerized Response and Emergency Dispatch” (SERAL-CARED), which will utilize GPS technology to locate callers during emergencies. Proposed by First District Councilor Bonz Andre Militar, the system aims to reduce response times, enhance incident tracking, and integrate geo-mapping and digital routing into emergency services. It will also help eliminate prank calls by enabling responders to trace callers’ locations. Rodolfo Encabo of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office stated the system will cut response times from 15 to 5 minutes by pinpointing exact caller locations. The ordinance includes a mobile app with features like emergency alerts, GPS auto-location, and silent messaging. It mandates a barangay geo-tagging registry and responder GPS tracking for real-time monitoring of ambulances, fire trucks, and field personnel. Section 7 ensures personal data collected through SERAL-CARED is securely handled and disposed of after use, with unauthorized access resulting in liability. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)
