Unified 911 launches real-time translation feature for foreign emergency callers

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Business sector, tourism to benefit best from new feature



With 400,000 to 500,000 tourists visiting the Philippines monthly and about 133,000 expats living in the country semi-permanently, the introduction of auto-translate technology to the Unified 911 emergency response system continues to revolutionize Philippine emergency communications.

NEXiS Connect, NGA 911's cutting-edge call handling system, can now automatically convert a foreigner's voice call from his or her native language into English or Filipino in real time. This enables seamless communication between callers and emergency responders, allowing Filipino call takers to instantly receive and understand conversations in English or Filipino.

The call handling system's automatic voice-to-text translation feature currently supports Spanish, Italian, German, French, Filipino, and English, with additional languages set to be added in the coming months as the system continues to expand its multilingual capabilities.

The new feature eliminates the need for third-party interpreters and speeds up the process of emergency response.

"Safety is a primary factor for global travelers," says NGA Philippines country head Robert Llaguno. NGA Philippines provides the next generation technology that gives Unified 911 its cutting-edge capabilities.

"Knowing that language barriers are eliminated by advanced AI removes the fear of being stranded during a medical issue or natural disaster while in the country. This makes the Philippines a more competitive, 'smart tourism' destination," Llaguno said.

Apart from voice calls, foreign tourists can also use familiar platforms such as the Unified 911 PH Facebook Messenger to reach local emergency services without needing a local SIM card or knowing local dial codes. Messages sent through the platform are received directly by Unified 911 call handlers, enabling them to respond through the same interface they use to manage emergency communications.

Together, NEXiS Connect and NEXiS Message help democratize public safety by ensuring that, regardless of language spoken, socioeconomic background or physical ability, every individual in the Philippines has equal, rapid access to life-saving aid.

NEXiS Message is a secure, encrypted communication and collaboration platform developed by NGA 911 that unifies emergency response systems, public safety communications, and first-responder coordination into a single, seamless digital workspace. It integrates Facebook Messenger, text messaging apps and traditional channels like landlines into a single interface at the Unified 911 command center.

NEXiS Message also enables call takers to respond in English, with their replies automatically translated back into the caller's native language to enable seamless two-way communication.

"In life-or-death scenarios like cardiac arrest, crimes in progress or blazing fires, a delay of even just 60 seconds can be fatal. NEXiS Connect’s auto-translation feature minimizes triage time because dispatchers can immediately identify the type and location of the emergency without wasting time trying to decipher a foreign language. Real-time translation also allows dispatchers to guide a foreign caller through critical procedures like CPR, applying pressure to a wound, or finding an escape route in a fire—without communication errors," Llaguno explained.

"Instead of dispatchers having to monitor separate screens for different apps, everything arrives in a single interface. The system allows citizens to send photos, live video streams and exact geographic coordinates along with their text. The secure workplace also enables the PNP, the BFP and local DRRMOs to securely view the same media files simultaneously, instantly verifying the legitimacy of an incident and reducing false alarms," Llaguno shared.

"NEXiS Message bridges the accessibility gap by integrating social media platforms and encrypted messaging apps into Unified 911 command systems," Llaguno said. "This ensures that public safety networks are designed for everyone, moving away from a voice-only framework toward an inclusive, multi-channel lifeline."

July, which is officially observed as National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) in the Philippines, is the perfect time to introduce these latest AI-powered enhancements to the Unified 911 emergency response system. It is an active step toward building community resilience, preparedness and effective disaster response.

NGA's cloud-native technology ensures that even if a physical local command center is compromised or flooded by a typhoon, emergency routing can seamlessly fail over to another location without dropping calls.

UPD Bio Students Explore Plant Morpho-anatomy Through Art

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Plant Morpho-ARTnatomy mini exhibition. (Photo credit: Eunice Jean C. Patron)




In May 2026, the Institute of Biology (IB) of the University of the Philippines Diliman – College of Science (UPD-CS) hosted the “Plant Morpho-ARTnatomy” mini exhibition, showcasing works by its Biology 101 students.




The displayed artworks featured plant specimens and structures studied by the students, rendered in various media—such as charcoal, watercolor, pencil, acrylic, oil, and pastel—on surfaces including canvas, paper, wood, and boards. Students who participated in the exhibition received bonus points upon submitting their art.




Biology 101 faculty-in-charge Dr. Erika Marie Bascos shared that her passion for art inspired her to initiate the exhibition. “During the pandemic, my kids encouraged me to start painting. I found it relaxing and helpful for anxiety, and it came naturally to me given my background in teaching drawing-based courses,” she said.




Dr. Bascos explained that the specimens they encounter in class—whether freshly collected or preserved—require students to draw and label their parts. These serve as study plates that they can review for exams. She noted that the students are highly skilled at drawing, producing detailed work using pencil and pen. They complete these plates during class and submit them after sessions. This observation inspired her to showcase their work in an exhibition.






Some of the artworks displayed in the mini exhibition.




“I was surprised that so many students submitted, and that they each had different styles—some were crocheting, others made 3D works, and some used clay. What stood out to me was how patient they were. One student even said, ‘Ma’am, I can’t do it,’ but in the end, his work turned out to be one of the best,” Dr. Bascos added. Most of her students had no prior experience making art, so she found it impressive that their outputs already looked skilled, even though it was their first time. The students had a whole semester to explore and were encouraged to choose whatever they wanted to create.




The artworks ranged from depictions of actual plants such as ferns and pitcher plants to their microscopic structures, including trichomes, plant crystals, and tissues. “Some of them may also want to become scientific illustrators. That would be great because they already have a background in art, and they understand morphology and anatomy as students of biology,” she said.




Janine Patricia Omalin, one of the students who participated in the exhibition, said she enjoyed the activity. “I’ve been drawing ever since I was a kid. I made it during my break,” she added, while showing her drawing of Pinus echinata, the scientific name of shortleaf pine.




Another student, Althea Bernice Javier, painted stellate aerenchyma, a tissue composed of star-shaped cells with large, interconnected air spaces that allow the rapid circulation of oxygen and can be found in banana leaves. “It’s my first time painting. I used to draw before, but this is my first time to paint. It was good to have the experience,” she shared.




Dr. Bascos hopes to teach the plant morphoanatomy laboratory again next semester and to hold another exhibition of her students’ artworks. Her students are also willing to donate their works to IB to help future Biology 101 students analyze the structure of plant specimens.




“What they produced was more than just artwork—it was proof that science and art can beautifully coexist,” she said. IB’s Biology 101 course discusses the morphology and anatomy of vascular plants.

The exhibit is open to the public until July 24, 2026

GSM Bar Academy gives PH bartenders the edge here and abroad

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For many young Filipinos, especially those hoping to build a career in the service industry, bartending has quietly evolved from side job to serious profession.

More than just serving up drinks behind a bar, the work requires a unique skillset that combines knowledge of a wide selection of products, technical precision, creativity, physical endurance, and most of all, the ability to connect with people.

And as the food and beverage, hospitality, spirits, and bar industries today continue to grow and evolve, it’s these qualities that make Filipino bartenders sought after all over the world.

For over a decade, a dedicated facility on the second floor of the Technical Education and Skills Development Administration (TESDA) Women’s Center building in Taguig City has been producing job-ready graduates equipped with bartending skills that catapult them into rewarding careers both here and abroad.

Dubbed the GSM Bar Academy, this hands-on training facility was built by Ginebra San Miguel Inc . and opened in TESDA in 2014, on the occasion of its flagship Ginebra San Miguel brand’s 180th anniversary.

Over the last 12 years, the GSM Bar Academy has trained GSMI scholars and delivered waves of Filipinos serving in high-end bars, cruise ships, hotels, restaurants, resorts, and hospitality establishments in different parts of the world. Many have also ventured into their own F&B businesses.

The Academy features a professional bar laboratory, a flairtending gym, and a fully equipped bar. Its program, developed and implemented by TESDA, involves three months of rigorous training that lets students master bartending fundamentals, beverage preparation, and teaches them customer service, workplace professionalism, and responsible alcohol service.

Once graduates earn their TESDA Bartending Program National Certificate II (NC-II) from the Academy, they are considered fully ready to join the industry and meet its demands and standards.

At the recent World Gin Day celebrations led by GSMI, a number of alumni reconnected with the Academy and assisted in the micro-credential bartending program that became one of the highlights of the event. Some of them proudly shared stories of their journey of success in the field.

“I’m very thankful for the opportunities the Academy has opened for me,” said Ann Rose Tapar, a March 2025 NC-II graduate now working in some of the top bars in Bonifacio Global City.

“Before joining the program, I never imagined I would have the chance to work in these establishments. The training gave me the skills, confidence, and discipline. More importantly, it helped me uplift my life, and showed me that with the right training and determination, bigger opportunities are possible.”

JP Peñaflor, a 2022 graduate who discovered the Academy through a Facebook post after completing his hospitality management degree, said he went on to become head bartender and mixologist at an Italian restaurant, after the program. He also won the 2024 cocktail mixing competition organized by GSMI for that year’s World Gin Day celebration. Today, he works at a five-star hotel bar in BGC.

“The training gave me not only skills, but also confidence,” JP said. “It’s not just about technical skills. It also develops your attitude, professionalism, and confidence. It truly prepares you for high-end hospitality. It has helped me pursue opportunities that changed my life.”

For Cherry Galit, the Academy came at a turning point in her life. She had left school to help support her family after her mother’s got sick. Through the program’s Technopreneur track, she and two fellow scholars were given a mobile bar to start their own business.

This venture has since grown to serve major clients, including GSMI itself, and now employs other Academy graduates.

“Hindi ako galing sa mayamang pamilya at hindi rin ako nakapagtapos ng pag-aaral,” she said. “Pero hindi iyon naging hadlang para maiangat ko ang buhay ko. Malaki ang pasasalamat ko sa pagkakataong ibinigay sa akin ng Ginebra San Miguel.”

For her part, Angela Felarca left a career in corporate finance to chase a different kind of future. She and her twin sister both enrolled upon seeing the GSM Bar Academy, as it gave them “the feels” of working in a real hotel bar.

Angela has gone on to become the first female bartender at a mobile bar company specializing in high-end events. She impresses clients with her flairtending skills and speed.

“What I found here is not just a new career— but my a new passion,” she said. “Every time I return to the GSM Bar Academy, I remember that this is where my dream began.”

In 2025, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visited and took note of the Academy. After the tour, he called it a “national model for public-private partnership in technical-vocational education.”

Recently, Academy trainer Shella Bawar was recognized for achieving one of the highest employment rates among programs under the TESDA Women’s Center.

“The recognition is an affirmation that we are producing job-ready professionals equipped with the skills demanded by the industry,” said Bawar, now an ASEAN National Master Trainer and National Lead Assessor.

For her and the Academy, what matters most is their commitment to the scholars: equipping them with skills, transforming those skills into livelihoods, helping those livelihoods grow into rewarding careers or thriving businesses—and becoming a source of personal fulfillment and professional pride.