The Manila city government has rolled out a new fleet of high-tech, top-of-the-line drones aimed at strengthening disaster response, search and rescue operations, and data-driven governance.

On January 29, a Drone Training Simulation Exercise was conducted at Luneta Park, led by Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso alongside Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) Director Arnel Angeles and other city officials. The activity tested the operational readiness of the drones and trained response teams in real-time emergency scenarios.

According to MDRRMO Special Projects Section Chief Ramon Jefferson Verano, the newly acquired Matrice 30T, Matrice 4E, and Matrice 400 drones are equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, water-resistant systems, and advanced imaging and monitoring features. These technologies will allow various city agencies to conduct faster and more accurate search and rescue missions, large-scale mapping, damage assessment, and continuous monitoring during disasters.

City officials said the drones can also be deployed for urban planning, traffic and crowd monitoring during major events, environmental assessment, and post-disaster analysis, helping improve coordination and decision-making across departments.

“With these machineries that we invested, we are now investing for the future of the city,” Mayor Moreno said, emphasizing the city’s commitment to innovation, public safety, and resilient urban management.

The initiative forms part of Manila’s broader push to modernize its disaster risk reduction strategies and enhance data management through smart technologies, ensuring quicker response times and more efficient public service delivery.