The Silang, Cavite local government announced on Saturday, Nov.12, the arrival of its newly purchased emergency response vehicles as part of its efforts in improving the town's disaster response and management capabilities.
According to Silang Mayor Kevin Anarna, the eight ambulances, a donated ambulance, a rescue vehicle, and a communications vehicle are great additions to the town's other assets aimed at further bolstering Silang's disaster response and rescue efforts.
He added that the ambulances can be used by all citizens of the town free of charge.
"Dahil sa wastong paggamit natin ng kaban ng bayan ay agad po nating Natriple ang dami ng ating ambulansya sa loob pa lamang na ilang buwan nating panunungkulan. Ito ay para mas mabilis na matugunan ang mga emergency cases sa ating bayan (Because of the proper use of our government funds, we have already tripled the number of our ambulances in just a couple of months since I started my governance. These vehicles are purchased to further improve our services to the community during emergency cases)," Anarna said.
"Paalala lang po na ang mga ambulansya natin ay para sa mga emergency cases lang muna po. Hindi po ito service vehicle para sa mga gustong magpacheckup lang po. Para mas mabilis po nating matugunan at palaging may naka ready na ambulansya kung may mga kailangan na agarang aksyon (I would just like to remind everyone that as of now, the ambulances will only be used during emergency cases only. These should not be used as service vehicles for those who only want to have a doctor's appointment. The ambulances were bought to ensure that there will always be a vehicle ready in case of emergencies)," he added.
Meanwhile, the rescue vehicle and communications vehicle will be issued to Silang's Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMO).
The mayor then assured that they will continue to create programs and initiatives aimed at improving his constituents' lives.
In October, Severe Tropical Storm Paeng battered the country's Luzon and Visayas regions, including Cavite. Several roads and bridges in Silang were also destroyed or have been flooded due to the intense rain brought about by the storm.
Because of the town's early preparation for the storm, the local government was able to quickly respond to its citizens in need of help and cleared its blocked roads and passageways.
As of Nov. 6, the national government said that a total of 156 individuals perished due to landslides and floods made by Paeng.