Morong, Rizal: Leading the Charge in Next-Generation Emergency Response

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a country where road accidents claim a life every 15 minutes, emergency response times can mean the difference between life and death. For Morong, Rizal, the first local government unit (LGU) in the Philippines to implement a next-generation advanced emergency response system, this reality is being rewritten. Now, life-saving interventions arrive in just three to five minutes—an astounding improvement that is transforming the way emergencies are handled.

A Game-Changer in Emergency Response

Before Morong adopted the cutting-edge Next Generation 911 (NG911) technology in April 2023, emergency response times were frustratingly slow, ranging from 30 minutes to an hour. The delays often meant the difference between survival and tragedy. Today, thanks to NGA 911 Philippines, a local subsidiary of the US-based emergency response technology leader NGA 911 LLC, Morong has become the benchmark for rapid, coordinated, and efficient emergency services.

According to Jerome L. Mateo, head of the Morong Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Command Center, vehicular accidents make up nearly 30% of all emergency calls. With the rapid escalation of road traffic deaths—from 7,938 in 2011 to a staggering 11,096 in 2021—the need for swift response has never been more urgent. The World Health Organization (WHO) underscores the gravity of the situation, reporting that road fatalities occur in the Philippines every 15 minutes.

Life-Saving Interventions in Real-Time

Call handlers at the Morong Command Center have countless stories of lives saved by the system. Roel Gutierrez, one of the responders, recounted a case where a woman gave birth on the street. In the past, responders might have taken an hour to reach her, but under the new system, help arrived in mere minutes, ensuring both mother and baby survived.

Another call involved a man struggling to breathe. Previously, coordination with various agencies led to costly delays, but this time, emergency responders were at his location within four minutes, stabilizing him before transporting him to a hospital.

Then there was the case of two women trapped in their vehicle during a flood. Despite not being from Morong, they received immediate assistance thanks to the system’s real-time location tracking and conference call capabilities, which enabled call handlers to connect them with the necessary rescue teams and medical experts instantly.

Beyond Morong: A National Movement

Morong’s pioneering move has sparked a nationwide transformation. Inspired by its success, Alaminos City in Pangasinan, Cebu City, Cagayan de Oro, and Mambajao in Camiguin Island have followed suit. By April 2025, Bustos in Bulacan, Navotas City, and Tagbilaran City in Bohol will join the growing list of LGUs implementing this world-class emergency response system.

Recognizing the system’s efficiency, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has issued a directive urging all LGUs to unify their emergency response mechanisms under the nationwide 911 initiative. This initiative, spearheaded by the Philippine National Police (PNP) in August 2024 under Executive Director Francis Fajardo, seeks to eliminate fragmented emergency networks and overcome challenges such as spam overload and geographic limitations.

During the 7th General Assembly of the League of Provinces of the Philippines on February 7, 2025, DILG Secretary Juanito “Jonvic” Remulla emphasized the importance of full LGU support for the nationwide implementation of the 911 system. His call to action reflects the country’s urgent need for a streamlined, high-tech emergency response infrastructure that mirrors the best systems in the world.

A Future Defined by Swift and Smart Response

Morong’s pioneering efforts are more than just a local success story—they are a blueprint for the future of emergency response in the Philippines. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, LGUs are not just improving response times; they are saving lives, instilling confidence in public safety, and proving that smart governance can lead to real, measurable change.

As more cities and municipalities adopt this life-saving system, one thing is clear: the era of delayed emergency response is coming to an end. Morong, Rizal, has set the standard—and the rest of the nation is taking note.

Go USTe… or GhoUSTed? ThomVenture Episode 2 is out now!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The excitement for Odd One Out Productions' ThomVenture reached a new peak last week with the airing of episode 2, titled ThomVenture: GhoUSTed! This three-episode skit show captures the relatable experiences of Thomasians, highlighting the challenges, growth, and unforgettable moments that define student life.

Episode 2, "GhoUSTed," ventures into the intriguing theme of ghosting within the dating world, which resonates with many in the digital age. Through a blend of witty skits and engaging narratives, the episode not only explores the stereotypes surrounding Thomasians as #GhoUSTers but also sheds light on the broader implications of digital awareness in our technology-driven world. This has sparked meaningful conversations about how individuals navigate relationships amidst the growing influence of digital interactions.

The premiere episode of ThomVenture had already set a high bar by focusing on the unique experiences of freshmen, offering viewers a nostalgic glimpse into the transitions and challenges faced by new students entering university life.

As the series approaches its exciting finale, viewers are filled with anticipation for more surprises and skits in the final episode, which will be broadcast live on UST Tiger TV on April 8 at 3 PM.

Join the adventure by following Odd One Out Productions on Facebook and @ooops.commtv on Instagram and TikTok.

Brewing Change: How % Arabica Philippines and Urban Farmers PH are Transforming Waste into Growth

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a world suffocating under the weight of waste, where nature struggles to breathe beneath mountains of discarded materials, an unexpected revolution is percolating—one that turns something as simple as a coffee cup into a symbol of renewal and hope. At the heart of this movement stand two visionary forces: % Arabica Philippines and Urban Farmers PH. They are not just serving coffee; they are serving a future where sustainability is second nature, where every sip fuels not only energy but transformation.

It all started with a conversation over coffee in 2023—a discussion that would soon bloom into an environmental breakthrough. What if used coffee cups could serve a purpose beyond a single use? What if coffee grounds, often discarded as waste, could be given a second life as nutrient-rich fertilizer? These questions set the foundation for an initiative that is now reshaping the way we think about consumption and conservation.

On April 3, against the golden hues of a Manila sunset, the Urban Farmers Lounge became the epicenter of this eco-friendly movement. Press members and devoted supporters of % Arabica gathered to witness the unveiling of a partnership that breathes new life into waste. Attendees saw firsthand how discarded cups are transformed into seedling pots, cradling the first stages of new plant life. They learned how coffee grounds, rich in essential nutrients, could rejuvenate the soil, feeding crops that would in turn sustain communities.

This initiative isn’t just about sustainability—it’s a call to action. It’s a challenge to rethink how small, everyday choices can contribute to a greater environmental impact. Through their pioneering efforts, % Arabica Philippines and Urban Farmers PH are turning Bonifacio Global City into a beacon of eco-conscious innovation, proving that change starts with the simplest acts—like finishing a cup of coffee.

“See the World Through Coffee” has long been % Arabica’s guiding philosophy, but this project adds a new dimension to their mission. It’s about seeing not just the world, but the future, through coffee. And in this future, every cup tells a story of renewal, responsibility, and collective action.

The question now is: will you be part of the change? Because the future isn’t just brewing—it’s already here.

The Art and Science of Specialty Coffee: From Origin to Cup

Beyond sustainability, % Arabica is deeply rooted in the artistry and science of specialty coffee. Coffee is more than a beverage—it’s a story of terroir, cultivation, and meticulous processing that influences every sip. From the highlands of Colombia to the volcanic soils of Indonesia, the journey from bean to cup is a symphony of nature, craftsmanship, and innovation.

The Signature Arabica Blend: A Commitment to Excellence

Unlike many commercial blends that prioritize quantity over quality, the % Arabica Blend is crafted from the finest single-origin specialty coffee beans. The result? A distinctive, rich profile with deep chocolatey undertones—perfectly suited for milk-based drinks and Americanos. This ever-evolving blend adapts to the seasons, ensuring that every batch maintains the highest standards of quality. For home brewers, % Arabica’s baristas even offer custom roasting services tailored to individual preferences, making specialty coffee accessible to all.

Colombia’s Huila Region: A Coffee Paradise

In the heart of Colombia’s coffee belt lies Huila, a region revered for its award-winning beans. One of its standout farms, Finca Buenos Aires de Bruselas, led by Adrian Lazo, showcases groundbreaking fermentation techniques that elevate coffee’s natural complexity. Through an innovative cold-water fermentation process and meticulous drying methods, Lazo produces Bourbon Sidra beans with a flavor profile bursting with raspberries, peaches, and a lingering sweet aftertaste.

Indonesia’s Gayo Highlands: Tradition Meets Innovation

Indonesia’s Gayo region, renowned for its exceptional coffees, is home to the family-run Asbi Estate in Bener Meriah Gayo. Unlike large-scale plantations, this highland farm nurtures young Red Bourbon, Abyssinia, and Typica coffee trees under ideal conditions. Their “Classic Natural Process” refines every step—from selective harvesting to precise drying—resulting in a cup rich with cocoa nibs, dried mango, and the floral elegance of oolong tea.

The Universal Language of Flavor

What unites these diverse origins is a shared language of flavor. Specialty coffee isn’t just about taste; it’s about education, appreciation, and connection. Through sensory exploration, % Arabica invites coffee lovers to move beyond consumption and embrace the intricate journey behind each cup. By understanding the balance of chocolaty, nutty, fruity, and floral notes, consumers engage in an experience that transcends the ordinary.

From sustainability initiatives to the pursuit of coffee excellence, % Arabica Philippines is redefining what it means to be a coffee brand. It’s not just about serving the best coffee—it’s about serving a better future, one cup at a time.