The provincial government of Davao Oriental distributed one custom-built emergency rescue vehicle to each of the 50 isolated villages in the province, an official said Friday.

Karen Lou Deloso, provincial information officer, said vehicles were handed over to far-flung villages or geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) to address the need for disaster preparedness and response.

Barangays Boston, Cateel, Baganga, Caraga, Manay, Tarragona, Banaybanay, Lupon, Mati City, and Governor Generoso received the vehicles during the turnover ceremony at the Davao Oriental Tourism Complex on Wednesday.

“These vehicles were acquired through loan proceeds,” Deloso said.

Rizalda Mamilic, chairman of Barangay Dadong in Tarragona town, underscored the importance of the vehicles, considering that their area is far from the town center.

“The vehicle answers the needs of our residents in times of emergencies, especially during the rainy season and calamities,” she said

Each unit costs PHP348,500 and is equipped with a 4×4-wheel drive, mid-ship mounted searchlight, fire extinguisher, a combat-type seat for direct emergency rescues, medical supplies, spine board, and other special features.

Deloso said a fleet of brand-new heavy equipment was also delivered to the provincial government on the same day.

She said the heavy equipment are for constructing, rehabilitating, and maintaining provincial, barangay, and local roads and other infra projects.

Meanwhile, Governor Nelson Dayanghirang urged barangay officials to “take good care of these vehicles while using them to the fullest for all your concerns.” (PNA)