WATCH: CCTV cameras in place in key areas of Dagupan

Authorities in Dagupan City in Pangasinan hope to respond faster to disasters and curb crime with an initial batch of closed-circuit television cameras set up in key parts of the city.

The initial batch includes 11 CCTVs with another batch due to be installed soon, GMA Dagupan's Jette Arcellana reported on "24 Oras North Central Luzon."

"With the CCTV, we want to improve more and we want Dagupan to be a smart city by 2016," said Mayor Belen Fernandez.

Areas covered by the 11 CCTVs include Fernandez Avenue heading for Quintos Bridge and De Venecia Highway.

City police head Superintendent Christopher Abrahano said this will allow them to monitor traffic and would help their crime prevention efforts, especially in crowded areas.

But residents' reactions were mixed.

"Malaking tulong siya kasi pag gabi kung ano ang mangyari di sa ginusto natin... siyempre makikita roon ano ang totoo," said student Irish Caoile.

"Mas maganda wala na rin," said tricycle driver Manuel Basa, who added the funds for the CCTV systems could be better spent helping the poor.

Meanwhile, Mayor Fernandez said there will be a second batch of CCTV systems "very soon."

"It's all over the city as much as possible," she added. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News