Joselito Salgado, public information chief, said the city is now looking for individuals who are keen on receiving and answering emergency calls from residents and locators within the city.

Successful applicants will serve as the center’s personnel tasked to provide emergency assistance on line. As a prerequisite, Salgado said applicants should be knowledgeable in various computer applications; basic functions, principles and practices of law enforcement agencies; and first aid.

"Since they are going to receive emergency calls, it’s important that they are experienced in first aid applications and familiar with any nature of emergencies while medical personnel are in transit," he said.

Applicants are also required to possess typing skills or word processing at a rate of 30 words per minute and should be conversant in oral and written communication, both English and Filipino.

"We require personnel who can deliver messages in clear, brief and concise manner, know how to assess and prioritize emergency situations while remaining calm and using sound, independent judgment," Salgado said.

Salgado said candidates will be screened by the Urban Development Department (UDD) which is located at the fifth floor of the Old Makati City Hall building.

Interested persons can look for Ma. Rosela Ricaramara at the UDD. Successful applicants will be provided training.

The Makati Command and Control Center (Makati-C3) is a 24-hour emergency dispatching and monitoring center patterned after Rescue 911 in the United States.

The command center will involve the city’s key emergency response team – namely the Makati Police Department, the Makati Rescue Team, Makati Fire Department and the city’s Disaster Coordinating Council and the Public Safety Department. (Hannah L. Torregoza)