“Please ensure that these vehicles are used for the long-term service of your barangays.”
This is the main directive from Mayor Lucilo R. Bayron to the barangay officials during the turnover held on Monday, September 14, of 40 new Toyota Tamaraw utility vehicles worth approximately ₱1.2 million each from the General Fund. The City Government has allocated the vehicles to further strengthen the delivery of services to the communities of Puerto Princesa.
The vehicles are intended for use in emergency and disaster response, patient transportation, official duties, and other community services, particularly in areas far from the city center.
For Mayor Bayron, the provision of these vehicles is a responsibility of each barangay to ensure their proper maintenance and long-term use for the benefit of their residents.
City General Services Officer Violeta M. Dalonos reminded the beneficiaries of the barangays of the conditions for using and maintaining each vehicle.
According to the regulations:
* The vehicle must be driven by a designated driver with a valid Professional Driver’s License;
* It may only be used for official duties and services of the barangay and not for personal activities;
* The vehicle may only be used within Puerto Princesa. It must be reported to the City Administrator if it needs to be taken outside the city;
* The responsibility of the beneficiary barangay is to maintain the vehicle, including any damage or loss.
The Barangay Chairpersons, however, expressed their gratitude to Mayor Bayron and the City Government for the new vehicles that will serve their communities.
“This is a big help to us, especially during emergencies and disasters,” said Barangay Chairperson Gleceria Obenza, emphasizing the importance of having their own vehicles in their island barangay.
For Barangay Chairperson Edrene Dilla, the new vehicles are a great relief as transportation is a challenge for her remote barangay, especially during disasters.
“This is a huge help for disaster response. To our beloved Mayor, thank you very much,” said Punong Brgy. Dilla.
The fisherman Punong Barangay Absalom Umpad also thanked, saying that the new vehicle is a big difference compared to their old and smaller multicab.
“We are grateful to our beloved Mayor because he sees the needs of the rural barangays. We will take care of it and use it for service,” said Punong Brgy. Umpad.
The rural barangays were given priority in the first batch, while some urban barangays were also chosen through a draw with the help of the City Community Affairs Office.
26 more utility vehicles are expected to be allocated to the remaining urban barangays in the coming months, to complete and expand the support provided to the barangays of Puerto Princesa.
