Due to the adverse effects and large-scale impact of disasters in our communities, it is increasingly necessary for local government units (LGUs) to implement better emergency response initiatives.

In Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines, communities remain highly vulnerable to climate-related disasters such as typhoons, floods, fires, and earthquakes. Yet most emergency infrastructure is outdated and unaffordable for smaller, resource-limited areas.

For instance, in Metro Manila, news about fires in residential areas is everywhere. Whenever it rains, the water level rises rapidly in various parts of the country, especially the flood-prone areas. With that, we have witnessed how it has been a major challenge for responders to provide immediate assistance to communities at risk.

These scenarios led to the invention of a mobile application, which can make emergency responses prompt and automatic, with the support of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

Developed by a Filipina inventor, Alerto PH is a mobile application designed to enhance community safety by delivering urgent alerts and important notifications, particularly during emergencies and disasters. 

It serves as a platform that connects third-party devices like fire and theft alarms, smoke detectors, gas alarms, flood sensors, CCTV cameras, and burglar alarms to government emergency responders through a decentralized command center network.

“When these devices detect danger, whether it is a fire, break-in, or flood, they can automatically trigger alerts through our app to both the property owner and the nearest responders, even if no one is able to call for help. On the back end, our command center uses remote sensing, data aggregation, and AI to give local governments and emergency teams real time information so they can respond faster and manage their communities more effectively,” Cristina Macaraig, inventor of Alerto PH said.

Macaraig is the founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Wiredfield Philippines Inc.—a woman-led Filipino startup registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The company is dedicated to empowering LGUs in building safer and more resilient communities before, during, and after emergencies and disasters using smart city technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

In a ‘What’s Next’ media conference organized by the Department of Science and Technology-Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI), Macaraig shared her inspiration on why she came up with an innovation that addresses gaps in disaster risk management.

Macaraig worked for 10 years in the US where she gained hands-on experience in software development and product marketing. She also took on side projects in the Philippines as a Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist and GIS Specialist for LGUs and non-profit organizations.According to Macaraig, this line of work is where she gained a deeper understanding of how data, mapping, and local insights can be powerful tools to strengthen communities and improve public services, and these experiences inspired her to return home and start a company focused on building sustainable, impact-driven technology tailored to the unique needs of Filipino communities.

“Here in the Philippines, those systems were either too expensive, too complex, or simply not available for regular households. Most communities relied on outdated infrastructure or had no emergency response mechanisms at all. I saw a clear gap—and a practical opportunity—to create something better,” Macaraig said.

Currently, Macaraig and her team is working on running pilot tests in Tagaytay and Quezon City. Her team’s goal is to onboard 100 LGUs and to fully operationalize it by the end of the year.

“There are ongoing discussions with several local government units, and we are very encouraged by their interest. Our bigger goal, however, is to make sure what we are building becomes truly sustainable. In the United States, for example, there is a company called OpenGov, a startup that successfully partnered with government agencies by providing innovative GovTech solutions,” Macaraig said.

For its pilot testing, Macaraig said her team installed smoke alarm devices in fire-prone areas and flood alarms in most flood-prone areas, both in Quezon City.

“Imagine if every home in the Philippines had smoke alarms. And this is just the beginning. With the support of DOST, we’re adding flood alarms, SOS buttons, security systems, CCTV cameras, and even health watches and more,” Macaraig said.

Citing an example of its benefits, Macaraig shared that several studies have shown that just one working smoke alarm in a neighborhood can reduce the risk of death by over 60 percent. This was based on the recent study published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in 2024.

Moreover, once the pilot tests are successful, and when more LGUs have embraced the invention, Macaraig said their vision is to create a nationwide, decentralized emergency network—where every household, school, and local government unit can access real-time data and act immediately, even before formal responders arrive.

“When you’re creating something truly new, people won’t always understand it right away—and that’s okay. You have to believe in the problem you’re solving and keep showing up until others start to see the value too,” Macaraig said.

The What’s Next: A PHILIPPiNEXT Media Launch is a side event of the Philippines’ International Exposition of Technologies (PHILIPPiNEXT) held in Okada Manila, Pasay City on July 14-16, 2025. Spearheaded by the DOST-TAPI, the event underscores the agency’s commitment to promoting homegrown innovations and helping them gain wider recognition. In addition, Alert PH, a program component of DOST-TAPI’s Technology Innovation for Commercialization (TECHNiCOM) program, supports market-driven research and development projects with strong commercialization potential.

The PHILIPPiNEXT is the 1st International Exposition of Technologies organized by DOST-TAPI to gather local and global partners for Filipino innovations. The event was participated by inventors from India, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore.

This is among the many initiatives of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions, Opportunities for All. For more information, visit www.tapi.dost.gov.ph. (By Claire Bernadette A. Mondares, DOST-STII and photos from Wiredfield Philippines, Inc.)

Cristina Macaraig (in white shirt), inventor of Alerto PH and her team from Wiredfield Philippines, Inc. installs smoke alarms in the most fire prone areas in Barangay Commonwealth, Quezon City on June 16, 2025.

Installation of smoke alarms in fire-prone areas in Barangay Pansol, Quezon City.