18 emergency response vehicles worth P26M turned over to Sorsogon

By Benilda Recebido

SORSOGON CITY, Sorsogon --- Sorsogon has received 18 additional disaster response vehicles, valued at P26.1 million, which have been handed over to local government units (LGUs) by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

These automobiles will be utilized as rescue vehicles to address the safety and healthcare needs of the province, particularly in remote and disaster-prone areas.

The DILG regional office stated that acquiring vehicles is part of the “Vehicles for Disaster Response and Rescue Activities” project, which aims to improve disaster response and peacekeeping in remote communities.

The project is funded by the Local Government Support Fund-Financial Assistance to Local Government Units. This national government program provides financial support to LGUs for essential priority projects that facilitate the delivery of basic services.

The municipalities of Barcelona, Bulan, Bulusan, Sta. Magdalena, Castilla, Casiguran, Donsol, Gubat, Irosin, Juban, Magallanes, Matnog, Prieto Diaz, and Pilar each received one vehicle as beneficiaries of the project.

Sorsogon City received two vehicles, while two additional units were provided to the provincial government for the use of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and the Provincial Health Office.

Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, who witnessed the turnover of the vehicles, emphasized the significance of equipping LGUs with the necessary tools to protect communities, especially in disaster-prone areas.

“These rescue vehicles are not just for transportation –they are very important during disasters and emergencies. They can be used for evacuation efforts whenever calamities occur. I thank the Department of Budget and Management for supporting our initiative under the LGSF. This is part of our commitment to improving the disaster resilience of the entire region,” said Co.

Renato Bolo Jr., the provincial health officer of Sorsogon, expressed gratitude for the assistance, highlighting its positive impact on the province’s healthcare system.

“This will greatly aid our referral mechanism, as all municipalities will be referring to the provincial health office and the provincial government hospitals. With this, the transport of our patients from their municipalities to the province will be faster,” Bolo said,” Bolo remarked.

Castilla Mayor Bong Mendoza highlighted the importance of the rescue vehicles, especially for municipalities prone to accidents.

“This will be a great asset not just for our municipality, but for others, too, especially now that every municipality has one. At least, when there are accidents or calamities, we can help each other and respond together,” Mendoza said. (With Bertuldo Jr. Bueza contributed to this article/PIA Bicol/Sorsogon)