CITY OF MALOLOS—The Provincial Government of Bulacan made early preparations against La Nina, strong rains and typhoons and floods through acquisition of state-of-the-art new emergency response vehicles.
Gov. Daniel Fernando and Vice Gov. Alexis Castro on Monday graced the first Monday flag raising-ceremony of the year at the Capitol with the blessing and turn-over of New Disaster Response Vehiclesto the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium.
The new fleet includes 1 unit of amphibious vehicle (big) with 16 seating capacity; 1 unit of amphibious vehicle (small) with 2-3 seating capacity; 1 unit of rescue speed boat (200 HorsePower) which can accommodate 8 to 19 passengers; 2 units of rescue speed boats (150HP) with 6 to 8 seating capacity; and a mini rescue fire truck which are suitable for navigating streets with narrow roads, all equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure efficient disaster operations which will bolster the capabilities of the PDRRMO in providing timely rescue, medical, and relief assistance during disasters and emergencies across the province.
According to the governor, the amphibious vehicle can penetrate even up to 10 ft. high flood water.
Fernando said the set of vehicles are part of the enhancement of the disaster preparedness and emergency response capabilities of the provincial government.
The governor reaffirmed the province’s dedication to protecting the lives and property of Bulakenyos during natural disasters and emergencies, emphasizing that the newly granted rescue vehicles will enable more efficient and effective operations.
“It is the first time that our provincial government acquired these state-of-the-art response capabilities that we badly need when we experience severe flooding during strong rains and typhoons. Our smaller crafts have prevented us from bringing relief foods to heavily submerged low lying areas, it is our answer to such problems,” the governor told NEWSCORE on Monday.
PDRRMO Head Manuel M. Lukban boasted that Bulacan is the second province in the country, after Cavite, to utilize amphibious vehicles capable of accommodating up to 16 passengers.
Prior to the program, Rev. Msgr. Pablo Legaspi led the blessing of the vehicles, joined by Fernando and Castro, Department of the Interior and Local Government Provincial Director Myrvi Apostol-Fabia, Provincial Administrator Antonia V. Constantino, Provincial Information Officer Katrina Anne Bernado-Balingit and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
