DILG launches ‘Safe Philippines’ project in Metro Manila cities

As the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) aims to reduce the crime rate and improve emergency response measures in five cities of Metro Manila, the department on Friday launched the “Safe Philippines" Project.

“Safe Philippines can help urban, transport and disaster planners strategize future plans for city development,” DILG Secretary Eduardo  Año said during the kick-off ceremony.

“We believe that the Safe Philippines will likewise help sustain the gains of our continuous national road clearing program,” Ano added.

The DILG said the “Safe Philippines” project is a crime prevention measure that would use high-definition and advanced closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to curb the occurrence of crimes as well as to develop the emergency response efforts.

Through the project, the DILG aims to reduce crime rates by 15 percent and improve emergency response time by 20 percent by utilizing modern information and communications technology.

The launch of the Safe Philippines and the signing of the agreement with the cities of Marikina, Paranaque, Pasig, San Juan, and Valenzuela was held at the Marikina Hotel and Convention Center.

“We would like to express our sincerest gratitude to the DILG for choosing Marikina City as the pilot area for this benchmark project that will boost our capability in maintaining the peace and order in our city,” said Marikina City Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro.

Teodoro acknowledged that a secure environment is an important factor in the growth and development of Marikina City’s economy.

In line with the project, Teodoro bared that at least 234 cameras would be installed in 80 predetermined locations in Marikina.

“The factors that we took into consideration were the prevalence of crime; traffic situations; and flood and fire-prone areas,” Teodoro said.

“Mostly, the monitoring cameras will be placed at major roads, but we will also install them at communities,” he added.

Teodoro believed that constant monitoring could pre-empt crimes as criminals would realize that law enforcement could arrive at the scene fairly quickly. — DVM, GMA News