Following the first Iloilo City Action and Response (ICARE) Center's inauguration last November 2021, the second ICARE center in Barangay Balantang, Jaro District, began operations, February 4.

The purpose of these centers is to increase the efficiency of concerned emergency offices to make sure that dispatch is readily available and close by via satellite systems connected to the near completed command center located at Gaisano Iloilo City Center (ICC) along Diversion Road in Mandurriao District with the emergency operations center.

“This is very strategic in the sense that it will cover barangays which are in Jaro and will be able to cater to the needs of our constituents along those areas,” Mayor Jerry P. Treñas stated in a virtual conference.

The more specific and notable services of the ICARE centers include handling calls to respond to trauma cases, medical emergencies, accidents involving vehicles, and providing transportation of Covid-19 patients, with each center being equipped with an ambulance from the emergency operations center.

“We can count on the barangays in the district to help us out,” City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) head Donna Magno said.

The offices involved in this system includes the offices of the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO), Iloilo City Emergency Responders (ICER), Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO), Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) personnel, and local barangays.