SLSU Innovates Municipal Emergency Response System to Strengthen Local Resilience

Smart response, safer communities!

In a time when disaster risks continue to grow in frequency and intensity, local governments must turn to technology-driven, data-informed solutions. The study conducted by Jose C. Agoylo Jr., Reynard S. Narciso, John Gene D. Ortega, Rica O. Gula, and Arcelie B. Silvio of the BS Information Technology Department at Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) – Tomas Oppus Campus, presents the Municipal Emergency Response System (MERS) as a trailblazing innovation with transformative potential in community disaster readiness.

MERS integrates Google Maps and SMS technologies into a user-friendly, web-based platform that enhances emergency reporting, location pinpointing, and communication between residents and first responders. This innovation directly advances SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by fostering inclusive and resilient local systems, and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by providing a rapid, tech-enabled response framework during disasters. It also aligns with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by promoting digital transformation at the grassroots level.

The study’s findings are nothing short of compelling: the system received top marks in functionality (4.45), efficiency (4.5), reliability (4.55), and security (4.51), proving it to be a highly dependable, real-time, and secure digital solution. It solves long-standing issues of manual systems such as time delays, lack of standardization, and absence of geolocation, by equipping responders with tools that enhance accuracy and reduce emergency response times. In doing so, MERS helps mitigate casualties, protect property, and reinforce the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) capacities of municipalities.

Most notably, the system’s ability to generate historical data logs, validate reports, and offer visual proof elevates transparency and accountability, two critical facets of effective governance. By suggesting full municipal implementation and premium GPS mapping services, the authors have laid down practical, scalable recommendations that can inspire other localities.

In essence, MERS is a life-saving, equity-driven model for disaster preparedness and response. It exemplifies how local innovation can address global goals, proving that empowered youth, backed by research and community needs, can design solutions that safeguard lives and shape resilient futures.

Read full study here:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/384114359_MUNICIPAL_EMERGENCY_RESPONSE_SYSTEM_MERS_USING_GMAPS_AND_SMS