BY MARY JOY CAVAÑAS
ILOILO City – To bolster citywide surveillance, the city government is considering integrating barangays’ closed circuit television cameras (CCTVs) with the Iloilo City Action and Response (ICARE) Command Center.
Donna Magno, head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), said this integration proposal was discussed with barangay officials during their recent familiarization tour at the ICARE Command Center, located at Gaisano City Center in Mandurriao district.
Magno stressed the importance of high-quality CCTVs for integration, noting that many current barangay CCTVs are of poor quality and lack maintenance.
An integrated system would allow for comprehensive monitoring across the city, promoting swifter emergency response.
Presently, the command center operates 102 security monitors situated in the City Proper, Diversion Road, major thoroughfares, waterways, and more.
An additional batch of monitors is being bid upon, which will see the total rise to 176 CCTVs under Phase 1.
Under Mayor Jerry P. Treñas’ development roadmap W.H.E.E.L.S (Welfare, Health, Education, Environment, Livelihood, Sustainability), ICARE’s goal is to foster a more resilient city.
Several operational satellite centers are in barangays Balantang, Ungka, Calumpang, Molo, and So-oc.
New centers are under construction in Nabitasan, Megaworld in Mandurriao, and Tanza Esperanza in City Proper. Future additions are planned for Tap-oc, Mandurriao; CPU area, Balabago in Jaro; and Bo. Obrero, Lapuz.
These ICARE centers represent a comprehensive response network that delivers emergency, safety, and disaster management services to residents.
They host essential offices such as the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and Public Safety and Transportation Management Office.
“The city government financed all the centers, partnering with the private sector for some locations like Gaisano, Megaworld, the Jamoras for Ungka, and subdivision owners for Calumpang. We’re leasing a lot from the Department of Education for Nabitasan ICARE, while the city owns the remaining lots.” (With a report from the Iloilo City PIO)/PN
