LA TRINIDAD, Benguet (PIA) — The provincial government of Benguet through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council is providing cash assistance to support municipalities and barangays acquire vehicles to boost their emergency and disaster preparations and response capabilities.
Governor Melchor Diclas with Provincial DRRM Officer Abner Lawangen, on Tuesday (January 7, 2025), awarded cash assistance amounting to P5 million as counterpart of the provincial government to the municipality of Kabayan and Barangays Ambiong, Beckel, and Bineng of La Trinidad.
Kabayan Mayor Florante Bantales received P3 million for the procurement of a penetrator fire truck to improve the firefighting and emergency response capabilities of the town.
Also receiving assistance for the procurement of emergency response vehicle for their respective barangays were Bineng Punong Barangay Dixon Wakat in the amount of P1M, and Ambiong Punong Barangay Frederick Tao-ing Jr. and Beckel Punong Barangay Jessie Doclisen with P500,000.00,each.
Diclas emphasized the importance of bolstering the capability of local government units to effectively respond to disasters, noting that the new vehicles will significantly improve the ability of communities to protect lives and properties especially in times of crisis.
“The vehicles will become additional asset of the LGUs in acting swiftly to various emergencies and in ensuring the safety and welfare of their constituents,” Diclas said.
He said that for this year, the PLGU earmarked P25 million to support LGUs prioritizing barangays in far flung areas, to purchase vehicles to be used in their DRRM efforts.
The governor explained that their goal is to be able to help in LGUs in the acquisition of vehicles to boost the disaster preparations and response of the barangays in their communities such as bringing patients to the nearest health facility when needed .
“Our goal is to equip our municipalities and barangays. We now have access road networks in the different municipalities down to the barangays, so it is high time for us to have vehicles to be used by our constituents and their communities. Slowly we hope we can aid to provide to those who cannot procure their own vehicles,” Diclas said.
He added that this effort of the provincial government is being supported by Congressman Eric Yap who is also providing vehicles such as ambulances and 4 x 4 pick up trucks to the different municipalities and barangays. (JDP/RMC PIA-CAR / Benguet PIO photos)
